Lions Club of Grand Cayman installs new board

Local entrepreneur Siri Jones-Russell has been installed as the new President of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman for the 2025-2026 lionistic year.

Mrs Jones-Russell has replaced outgoing president Brian Barnes and is the sixth female president in the Club’s 53-year history.

Mrs Jones-Russell and her board, a mixture of new and returning board members, took their oaths of office at a ceremony on 29 June, 2025 at the George Town Yacht Club.

 Her theme for the year is “A Beacon of Hope through service to our community,” one she said she holds dear.

She said she was inspired by her favorite John Maxwell quote, “Leaders become great not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others.”

Russell-Jones, in her acceptance speech reminded members that the Club has a proud legacy of service, compassion, and making a difference where it matters most.

“From supporting youth programmes and vision care to assisting families in need, our work touches their lives in meaningful ways,” she said.

The newly installed president vowed to continue the legacy with the support of the members.

“My plans for the club are to focus on fostering a strong sense of community, promoting impactful service, and ensuring the club’s long-term sustainability. Key areas include membership growth, effective communication, strategic planning, and active engagement with the club’s chosen service areas, which include vision, hunger, diabetes, environment, and childhood cancer,” she said.

At the installation ceremony Dr Delroy Jefferson, Medical Director of the Health Services Authority, delivered the feature address.

He stressed the importance of service and lauded the Club and its members for its continued efforts to make the community a better place by helping those in need.

A successful year earns rewards

Outgoing president Barnes, in presenting his report for the year 2024-2025, acknowledged the Club’s successes through the signature projects undertaken over that 12 months of his tenure.

He highlighted various partnerships over the period like joining with the Department of Children and Family Services to sponsor the Seniors Sports Day and donating vegetable seedlings to the John Gray High School Agricultural Project.

“Through our [Prostate and Colon Cancer event] PACCE, we [also] raised awareness about testicular cancer and donated US$10,000 each to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and Jasmine, both of which provide vital care to those in need,” he said.

He said the Club has maintained its signature projects such as Christmas morning deliveries and the annual all-island kids party with the support of generous donors, members and volunteers.

“Each project exemplifies our motto and demonstrates how Lions continue to answer the call when the community needs us most,” he added.

The Club has a number of upcoming projects including the PACCE run/walk/ride event on Sunday 25 September., 2025 5am at Smith Barcadere and the Benzarama raffle which will launches on 14 August, 2025.

To learn more about the Lions Club of Grand Cayman you can visit the ROAR – Lions Club GCM.