Ten years ago, on July 1, 1992, the Success Laventille Lions Club received its Lions International Charter from the then District Governor, Lion Colette John. Lion Marjorie Edwards was installed as Charter President.
Last Sunday, Lion John, now a Past DG/Past Council Chairman, carried out the Installation of the club's incoming Board of Directors at a 10th anniversary luncheon, and this time inducted Lion Marjorie as president for the year 2002/2003.
What has made this woman who has been a member of the lions organisation for the past 19 years, first as a lioness, then as a lion, re- take the mantle of leadership after ten years? "I have enjoyed serving all my life. We were also getting a little lax and I think we neded to get back as a team. Also my husband died about a year ago and I needed to do this" says the former beautician, who has been president of the Lionesses Club and a Lioness Of The Year, and as well Lion Of The Year 1994/1995.
It was in the year 1989/90 that the Port of Spain East Lionesses elected to become a Lions Club rather than join with their men counterparts. Lions International had brought lionesses' clubs to an end. The Port of Spain East men were servicing a large area to the east of Port of Spain, up to Morvant, and so decided that they would give Success Village and Beetham Gardens, Laventille, to the women who would become the Success/Laventille Lions Club.
Marjorie Edwards was no stranger to the formation of Lions Clubs as Lions International had already appointed her as Guiding Lion for the formation of the Scarborough Upper Lions Club in Tobago. "As Lions Clubs those of us who had been Lionesses were now able to vote at District and International level, so that was one upliftment for us. We were able to make our own decisions, such as, bye-laws to be guided by instead of what the Lions Clubs told us to do."
The new President has chosen for her Motto in the coming year "Serving With Your Heart" - something which she is very good at - as she has also been a member of the Business & Professional Women's Club and a member and former President of the Electrical Association for Women.
As Charter President, Edwards introduced working with the youth in the Beetham Gardens area helping to build their self-esteem. One of the projects started by the lions of Success Laventille was the Warner's School of Enhancement. The venue was a gift from a service-minded gentleman in the area, where the lions organised classes in typing, parental and child care, baking, icing, tie-dying, and making plaster figurines.
Marjorie and her band of lions have decided to go back and continue this coming year as from that school they were able in 1996 to send a young girl on scholarship to Lenore's Business School for three years, with help from corporate firms in the area. "She was very successful and was employed after that" says the very satisfied incoming president.
The Success/Laventille Lions also run Health Clinics on Saturdays, with specific interest in the discovery of children who may be diabetic. Another project started 15 years ago when they were still lionesses which continues to this time, is the annual Parang Competition. "It is not only a good fundraiser, but also brings people of all ages together as it is in the daytime and in Port of Spain, and parang is really older peoples' thing." says Lion Marjorie.
We will continue to provide 12 months of cleaning supplies to the Care & Respect For Youth (CRY) organisation at Laventille; also supplying our Meals On Wheels to senior citizens at the Beetham Gardens: "Our members cook for about fifty people once per month. And we want to work with the Minister to see that there homes are better cared for. They ask for our help but there is very little we can do without the Minister or area representatives. We are going to look at making crossing the priority safe as so many of them have died going across the bus route, there has to be something that can be done to make it safer for these people. The Christmas and other entertainment during the year will also continue."
What are Marjorie's specific plans for her club in this coming year? "One of the things I would like is to have a luncheon where we can honour business people who have been so good to us during the ten years of our existence. I would also like to add classes in wine-making ceramics, computer literacy and geriatric care to the Youth Enhancement Project. Our Health Clinics must also go to the shut-ins in the Beetham Gardens on a regular basis."
"Above all we plan to organise a Grand Fair to raise funds. And to try Environment Essay and Calypso Competitions for the schools in our area. We hope also to encourage the youth to take part in the Lions' International Peace Poster Competition."