Lions 743 District Governor Mr Marvin O. Grant has welcomed the working relationship with the Lions and Rotary Clubs of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

President of the Rotary Club of Road Town Ryan Geluk noted that he is very elated by the new relationship brokered by the two organisations. 'We are partnering with them to ensure that information surrounding Alzheimer’s and its effects is properly disseminated around the BVI community.' Photo: VINO/File

The new bond and partnership was alluded to by Lions 743 District Governor Mr Marvin O. Grant on Tuesday September 15, 2015 when he shared the podium at the Rotary Club of Road Town’s Literacy Press Conference.

“This initiative meets one of my goals for the district where I have been encouraging all the clubs to partner with all organisations so that we can achieve our overall goal. As you know they say many hands make lighter work and as service organisations when we pool our resources I think we can provide more meaningful projects to our community,” said Grant.

The area that the Lions Clubs are partnering with the Rotary Clubs is that of health literacy, especially went it comes to the Alzheimer’s initiative. “This disease significantly affects the quality of life of many members in our society. The effects goes beyond the individual as you all know it extends to their relatives and loved ones who would have to care for them, not to mention the cost, which can become quite high depending on what stage the disease is at,” noted Governor Grant.

The relationship between the two organisations dates back to 2012-2013 when Grant’s predecessor and the then Rotary District Governor Mr Vance Lewis signed a memorandum of understanding in promoting Alzheimer’s awareness.

“I am happy to see it’s not just a written agreement anymore but collectively being put into practice,” said Grant at the press conference. He added, “I know President Marlyn has her ideas and has been engaging the club (Lions) into executing them.”

As it relates to their participation in the aspect of literacy, Mr Grant said the Lions have and continues to be very active with their ‘reach out and read’ programme.

“One thing I want to say about reading, yes it is important because it ensures the sustainability and development of a nation. Once we have literate kids that is definitely where we are going to go.”

President of the Rotary Club of Road Town Ryan Geluk noted that he is very elated by the new relationship brokered by the two organisations. “We are partnering with them to ensure that information surrounding Alzheimer’s and its effects is properly disseminated around the BVI community.”