On July 6, 2026, a landmark moment in volunteer service leadership unfolded across the Caribbean, as two native Grenadians officially stepped into the highest district-level leadership positions for Lions Clubs International District 60B — the regional body that oversees the organization’s operations in English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean communities.
Lion Hyacinth Jeremiah, MJF, has been elected to serve as District Governor for the 2026–2027 Lionistic year, while young leader Leo Raheem Smith will hold the post of Leo District President for the same term. This dual appointment marks the first time in the District 60B’s century-spanning history that two Grenadians will simultaneously lead both the core Lions movement and its youth-focused Leo program at the district level, an achievement widely celebrated as a defining milestone for the small Caribbean nation of Grenada.
Both incoming leaders bring decades of combined experience, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to community service to their new roles. Over their years of involvement with the organization, both have held a wide range of leadership positions at the club and district levels, consistently demonstrating their commitment to expanding community impact, nurturing emerging leaders, and growing the organization’s regional membership.
A longstanding member of the Lions Club of St George’s, Lion Hyacinth Jeremiah has compiled an exceptional record of service to his local club, having served multiple terms as club president, in addition to stints as club treasurer and vice president. At the district level, he has held a string of key senior leadership roles, including Zone Chairperson, Region Chairperson, Third Vice District Governor, and Second Vice District Governor. His ascent to District Governor places him among the most distinguished leaders in the district’s history; he is only the third Grenadian ever to hold this prestigious post, and his election comes nearly 40 years after the last Grenadian, Anthony Joseph, completed his term as District Governor.
For his part, Leo Raheem Smith, a member of the Leo Club of St George’s, has built an equally impressive track record of service and leadership within the youth-focused Leo movement. He has served two terms as his local club’s president, contributed extensively to multiple district-wide committees, and held regional leadership roles including Region Chairperson, most recently serving as Leo District Vice President. Upon taking office, he became only the second Grenadian to hold the title of Leo District President.
Together, the two leaders will steer the work of thousands of Lions and Leos across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Their administration has outlined five core priorities: strengthening local club operations, expanding community service initiatives, nurturing the next generation of volunteer leaders, building cross-sector advocacy and partnerships, and advancing Mission 1.5 — Lions Clubs International’s global membership growth initiative designed to expand the global impact of Lions and Leos by increasing membership numbers and opening up new service opportunities for participants.
“As servant leaders, we recognise that leadership is not about position, but about service. We are committed to empowering our members, strengthening our clubs, and ensuring that Lions and Leos continue to make a meaningful difference in communities across the Caribbean,” the pair shared in a joint statement following their inauguration.
As they prepare to kick off this historic year of service, both leaders have pledged to build on the long, proud legacy of the Lions and Leo movements, while inspiring a new generation of community changemakers across the Caribbean region.
### Background on Lions Clubs International and the Leo Club Programme
Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs International stands as the world’s largest service club organization, boasting a global network of more than 1.4 million members across over 50,000 local clubs, operating in more than 200 countries and geographic regions. Lions members organize targeted service projects to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, focusing on key issue areas including vision care, food insecurity, environmental protection, childhood cancer support, diabetes awareness and management, disaster preparedness and relief, and broad humanitarian outreach. The organization is unified by its iconic motto: “We Serve.”
The Leo Club Programme is the official youth leadership and service initiative of Lions Clubs International, with the acronym “Leo” standing for Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity. Through local community service projects, leadership training programs, and peer fellowship, Leo clubs empower young people to grow into responsible, engaged leaders in their communities and across the globe. Today, the program counts more than 200,000 Leos in over 7,700 clubs across more than 150 countries and geographic regions.