The Tribune

By KORTNEY RODGERS

THE Bahamas Girl Guides Association kicks off its centenary celebrations with a mass rally in the Upper Gardens of Government House tomorrow evening, at which the Governor General will be present.

Under the theme “100 Years of Influencing Lives 1915-2015,” the organisation is building up to its 100th birthday next year with a variety of activities, beginning with tomorrow’s rally at 6:30pm.

“We’re bringing together all of the Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, council members, former leaders and other persons associated with the movement to highlight the significant achievements and milestone the association has experienced over the years,” said Elma Garraway, who is Deputy Chair of the Centennial Celebrations Committee, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Senior Trainer and former Chief Commissioner.

In addition to providing entertainment, the rally will be used to honour the memory of founding members and those who have made significant contributions to the association by releasing 100 balloons.

To show gratitude towards the association’s older leaders, commissioners and council members who have given meritorious service, Dame Marguerite Pindling – back in the Bahamas after her investiture by the Queen as Governor General this week – will present certificates of appreciation.

The rally will also host the Centennial Challenge, a group of activities based on the association’s Eight Point Programme and The Guide’s Promise and Law, which will give girls the opportunity to accumulate 100 points upon completion of all chosen activities. The individual or group with the most points at the end of the period will be rewarded.

The organisation, which consists of over 2,000 uniformed members from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Exuma, Andros, Long Island and Spanish Wells, will celebrate a century of mental, physical, moral and spiritual development opportunities for young women in the Bahamas via its comprehensive programme.

“Girls are given the opportunity within their meeting times to develop good leadership and critical thinking skills and to have knowledge about the variables about what impacts life as a whole,” Mrs Garraway said. “It is understood that if girls and young women have a solid education they can think for themselves and will make wise choices for themselves and their families.”

The association, which is funded by government grants and generous donations, embraces girls from all socio-economic levels. During its year of celebration, the association also seeks to implement two expansion projects.

Earlier this month, 11 teachers and three parent volunteers attended a weekend orientation training session in the Resource Centre at Gray’s, Long Island. This project was supported by the Templeton Religion Trust Fund and conducted by Mrs Garraway and Julia Burnside. The 14 volunteers were equipped with the knowledge and training needed to begin new groups at their schools and in their communities.

The Bahamas Girl Guides Association has also diligently raised $500,000 towards their $1.2m goal for the construction of a new headquarters on their present site that will allow Family Island visitors to stay for the weekend and receive training.

For more information about The Bahamas Girl Guides Association, contact 322-4342 or email bahamasgirlguides@msn.com.