Throngs of Girl Guides, Brownies, Bim Bims, Rangers and Guide Council members converged on the streets of Kingstown on Saturday, April 10, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.{{more}}

Held under the theme “100 years of changing lives”, the celebration included a jubliant march through the streets of Kingstown with floats depicting several global themes. Themes included: “End extreme poverty and hunger”, “Education opens doors for all girls and boys”, “We can save our planet” and “We can stop the spread of AIDS”.

The parade ended at the Victoria Park where a rally was held.

Giving the Centenary Message, Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Althea Commissiong said that the theme “regonizes the achievement and impact that Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of the past, present and future have had and will continue to have on individual lives, communities and in the international arena.”

The organisation, she added, provides girls from diverse communities worldwide with the opporturities to reach their full potential, allowing them to become responsible citizens that contribute in making the world a better place.

Giving the welcome address and some background on the Girl Guides, President of the Girl Guides Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Gwendolyn Russell stated that the Girl Guides was formed in 1910 when eight rebellious girls decided to interrupt a boy scouts meeting in the UK, joining in on the Boy Scouts march despite dissapproval from others. They became the catalyst for the present day movement.

Thier actions came at a time when founder of the Boy Scouts movement Robert Baden-Powell had said that activities such as hiking, camping an other outdoor activities were not suitable for girls.

There are currently ten million Girl Guides in 145 countries worldwide. The Girl Guides was officially established in 1910 and spread quickly accross the world.

The first unit in St. Vincent, Russell added, was established in 1914 by Methodist Minister Reverend Arthur Cox, making the organisation in St. Vincent 96 years old.

The rally included performances by various Girl Guide and Brownie divisions, and featured singing by the St. Joseph’s Convent Guides, dancing by the Greggs Brownies and an HIV/AIDS presentation by the District A Kingstown Girl Guides.(OS)