We need more than support by mouth – France

Jeanette France, considered a powerhouse in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Girl Guides Association, is calling on persons to step up and help to lead the Association.

France, who is responsible for training leaders, made the call on Friday January 18 during a Girl Guide enrolment ceremony at the Coutts Hall of the Girls’ High School (GHS) at Richmond Hill.

“We need leaders, we need more than support by mouth…we are badly in need of leaders so encourage your mom to come and help,” France told the gathering of Guides, parents and well-wishers during the ceremony which saw 21 new Guides enrolled in the No.1 Kingstown Girl Guide Company.

She said that Girl Guides are “one big family” and encouraged the Guides who are finishing their secondary school journey to come back as leaders.

“We are looking for leaders…once a guide, always a guide that is why I am still here with my grey hair. I keep telling them I need to go home, and I need to give it up, but I am still here because once a guide, always a guide.”

The enrolment ceremony also saw three of the new guides recognized for gaining the highest scores on their pre-promise test, while the ceremony was also used to host the Chief Commissioner’s Exhibition and Awards.

Twelve Girl Guides are up for the Chief Commissioner’s Award which is the most prestigious and internationally recognised award in Guiding. The 12 guides presented their projects and achievements during their four-year guiding journey.

France, who has been involved in the Association as a leader for over 30 years, also congratulated the newly enrolled and the 12 Guides vying for the Chief Commissioner’s award.
She noted that in reviewing some the projects, a lot of work was done but some of the presentations needed more work.