THE Lions Club of Bel Air, on June 24 held its prestigious 46th Installation Ceremony and Annual Dinner Meeting at the Georgetown Club, Camp St. Georgetown.
The highlight of the programme was the ceremonial installation of new officers for 2017-2018 by Lion Past District Governor 3-Star SMV Nasseer. Lion Naseer is the recipient of the Lions International Distinguished 50 year (Golden Anniversary) Charter Monarch Milestone Chevron Award, conferred on him by the President of the International Association of Lions Clubs.

The new Executive installed for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 is as follows:
• President: Lion Mark Anthony Persaud
• Immediate Past President: Ln. Taramattie Naraine
• 1st Vice President: Ln. Alicia Young
• 2nd Vice President: Ln. Orlando James
• 3rd Vice President: Ln. Vickram Balli
• Secretary: Ln. Karen Anthony
• Treasurer: Ln. Eulanie Nurse
• Tail Twister: Ln. Matthew Langevine
• Tamer: Ln. Shondelle Gray

Two-Year Directors: Ln. Candace Ford, Ln. Natalia Azeez, Ln. Raulston Dowlin and Ln Duean Boston.
One-Year Directors: Ln. Bonica Sam, Ln. Maxine Graham, Ln. Amanda Hermonstine and Ln. Colin Boyce

Following their installation, Ln. President-elect, Mark Anthony Persaud and Leo President-elect Waynace Forde formally accepted their elevation to the respective high offices, after which Past Ln. President Taramattee Naraine also expressed appreciation to District Governor Ln. Sean Noel; Past District Governor 3-Stars Ln. Vic Nasseer; the Board; the General Membership and Fellow Lions and Leos Clubs for their guidance and support. She noted that collectively, their service has made a positive impact on the community served by the clubs.

Lion Naraine expressed sincere congratulations to the new president of the Bel Air Lions Club, Ln. Mark Persaud; Leo President, Waynace Ford and all Club Officers for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019. She gratefully acknowledged the support of all the club’s sponsors and the general public for their contribution and support. And of the Leos, Ln. Persaud declared, “They are a vibrant group, hearty and hardworking leaders.” She congratulated the Leos, 13 of whom were initiated this year, and expressed pride in their achievements so far. “Our Leos are new in the world, but already they are making themselves known,” Ln. Persaud proudly stated. She looks forward to working more closely with them in the future.
Impressive annual reports highlighting the work done and achievements scored for the Year 2017-2018 by the Lions Club of Bel Air and the Leo Club were delivered by Presidents Ln. Taramattie Naraine and Ln. Waynace Ford respectively.

Another feature on the programme was “Presentations” during which members of the Lions and Leos Clubs of Bel Air were awarded certificates and tokens of appreciation for outstanding work done within the club. There were also two ‘Special Guest’ Appreciation tokens in recognition of support rendered to the club. The first was presented to Optician Dr. Yohan Da Silva of Modern Optical, for his sterling contribution to the Lions Club of Bel Air’s ‘Sight Preservation Project, by way of providing free eye tests and spectacles at a reduced cost for students who were part of the project. The other was a Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Ms. Shirley Thomas, Journalist, Guyana Chronicle, for her commitment to supporting the Public Relations Unit of the Bel Air Lions Club.
Meanwhile, part of the opening segment of the programme was the Observance of ‘One Minute’s Silence’ for Peace of the World.