The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

FOR THE past 55 years, the Bahamas Girls’ Brigade has been an activity community organisation, shaping the lives of young women. For its 55th anniversary, the organisation is celebrating its accomplishments.

Sandra Butler, president of the organisation, said the Girls’ Brigade was started in the Bahamas 55 years ago with only one company and approximately 40 members. Today there are 15 companies with over 300 members. Active islands include New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Andros. There is also a chapter in Turks and Caicos. 
The Girls’ Brigade is an international, inter-denominational, Christian, uniformed organisation for girls ages five and up. It is active in over 50 countries throughout the world. The Bahamas is a member of the Caribbean Americas Fellowship.

The local organisation is led by Janet Bostwick, Inez Peet, Helen C Rolle, Frances Smith, Judy Wood and Sandra Butler. 
“Our most important accomplishment of growth of companies has helped us to reach more young ladies to the Jesus Christ. The Girls’ Brigade of the Bahamas is very grateful for the sponsors that we have had over the years. It is a phenomenal achievement for us to reach this milestone,” said Ms Butler.

“The association seeks to involve young ladies from the age of five and this is significant as at the age of five, girls are developing their personalities. It is a great opportunity for us to teach and assist our young ladies about being followers of Jesus Christ; instil self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility as they seek their purpose in life. In the years to come it would be great to see more of our young leaders whom have passed through Girls’ Brigade return to continue this work,” she said.
Janet Bostwick told Tribune Woman: “55 years for any organisation is a very long time. It means that they would have persevered and remained relevant in their years. The Girls’ Brigade motto is to see, serve and follow Jesus Christ and that motto is more relevant today than ever.”
She said the Bahamas Girls’ Brigade has been able to build women of character, and this is a wonderful recipe for developing young women to be the type of women who contribute to nation building.

“Each company is attached to a church and they are very active in the work of the church and their outreach programmes,” said Ms Bostwick.
One of the outreach programmes is the Persis Rodgers Home. The organisation has adopted the home and conducts most of its service at the home, providing food on a weekly basis.

“The lessons that I’ve learned as a young member of the Girls’ Brigade have helped me throughout my life’s journey. It is great to be a part of a team that is willing to support organisations that are making a difference in the lives of young women,” said Candice Turnquest, team leader for the Bahamas Girls’ Brigade, and assistant manager of market research and intelligence at RBC.

Ms Bostwick said: “People would normally see the girls during their parades, where they march very well. In the Girls ‘Brigade, you not only meet and develop friendships within the Bahamas, but internationally also.”
She said the organisation helps to build character, enhance spirituality, and make young women more aware of certain social ills in the country.

The organisation is looking for young leaders and trainers.