Girl Guides Honour Veterans

Thirty six Guides who have contributed significantly to the development of the Girl Guides Association of Jamaica were recognised at an awards ceremony at King’s House, Friday (March 12).

Wife of the Governor-General and Patron of the Girl Guides Association of Jamaica, Her Excellency, the Most Hon Lady Allen, presents a certificate to Regional Commissioner for the South-Central region, Tatyana Armstrong, during the association’s awards ceremony at King’s House Friday (March 12).

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen, lauded the association for their involvement over the years, adding that their values are integral to successful nation building.
He noted that citizens who practise these values will positively affect the growth of the nation. These values being trust, kindness, obedience, courage, unselfishness, time management and self-control.
The ceremony was also used to launch the 95th anniversary celebrations of the Jamaican association.
The Governor-General noted that its motto, ‘Be Prepared’, is a principle that everyone should follow, as it enables them to successfully meet challenges at each stage of life.
He commended the ladies who have remained loyal to the movement into their adult years, thereby ensuring that the tradition is passed on from generation to generation.
Chief Commissioner, Jean Kenny, noted that the movement affords girls the opportunity to learn and work in fun, to serve others and to care for the downtrodden and the weak.
“Let us continue to live the promise and law and to pass on the attitudes and strengths of the movement to our sisters of today, so that they too may grow to be good caring citizens of our country,” she urged.
President of the Association, Doreen Clemetson, noted that awards are given to those who have “gone the extra mile” in the movement, explaining that it was difficult to choose the awardees, as everyone contributed significantly.
The Girl Guides Association of Jamaica is one of the island’s oldest uniformed groups. Since its founding, in 1915, it has helped to guide and shape the lives of over 5,000 young girls.
The association works in three age groups: Brownies, aged seven to 11; Guides, ages 10 to 16; and senior section, ages 14 to 20.