Ambergris Caye's longest-running service organisation just hit a milestone worth raising a glass to. The San Pedro Lions Club marked its 51st anniversary on Saturday, November 7th, with a celebration at the Lions Den that drew current and past members, visiting Lions from across the region, families and local supporters for dinner, dancing and a long look back.
The evening's most moving moment came from the club's first president, Pedro Salazar, a charter member whose written address was read out by master of ceremonies Eiden Salazar. He reminded the room that the founders were ordinary islanders — fishermen, teachers, businessmen, fathers and sons — who met under houses and sometimes by lantern light, with no clubhouse, no funds and no proper vests. What they had instead was a promise to serve their neighbours. From those humble beginnings, the club has grown into what Salazar now calls one of the strongest Lions clubs in Belize.
Current president Rosalyn Tzib framed the anniversary as a monumental moment and laid out just how much the club threads through daily life on the island: health services, eye screenings, disaster relief, youth programmes, environmental work and community events. Her summary of the organisation was simple — visitors and residents alike don't see a service club so much as a family.
The awards portion of the night carried real weight. Chevron pins from Lions International went to Pedro Salazar, Abel Guerrero and Baldemar Graniel, each logging 50 or more years of service — a reminder that this is an institution passed hand to hand across generations. Anna Ico and Yevette Graniel were recognised for 15 years, and Nesher Acosta for 10. Zone Chair Nigel Belisle, speaking for the wider Lions region, noted that the club's real achievements are measured less in projects and funds raised than in families supported and hope offered.
So why should a traveller care? San Pedro has transformed dramatically in five decades, from a sleepy fishing village into one of Central America's busiest island destinations. Clubs like the Lions are a big part of why the town still feels like a community rather than a resort strip. Travellers who want to go beyond the beach bars — volunteering, attending local fundraisers or simply understanding what holds the island together — will find the Lions Den at the heart of that civic life. The club is heading into its 52nd year with the same focus: empowering young people and protecting vulnerable residents as the island's needs keep growing.
If you're in San Pedro around early November, it's worth knowing these anniversary celebrations happen annually and often welcome community partners. Check locally — the Lions Den is a known gathering point on the island, and members are generally happy to point visitors toward upcoming events or ways to chip in.
Credit: San Pedro Sun
