Brownies compete in Althea Commissiong Brownie Public Speaking

“What makes our guiding friendship special? How can we extend this friendship to those around us? These are the issues on which Brownies presented at the Althea Commissiong Public Speaking competition, held on February 21, 2026, in recognition of World Thinking Day 2026. The day is recognised by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the globe.

Nine Brownies took part in the competition: Asanna Bowens of the No. 5 Kingstown Brownie Guides Pack; Naleigh Deshong, No. 20 Kingstown Brownie Guides Pack; Keri Dickson, Sugar Mill Inn Bim Bims & Brownie Pack; Andrea Durrant, No. 19 Lodge Village Brownie Pack; Savannah Francis, No. 30 Open Bim Bim & Brownie Guide Pack; Zipporah Malcom, No. 2 Kingstown Brownie Pack; Laina Nanton, No. 2 Kingstown Brownie Pack; Oricia Primus,No. 22 Kingstown Brownie Pack; and Terri Sprott, No. 22 Kingstown Brownie Pack.

A release from the Girl Guides Association states that the topic aligned with the 2026 theme for World Thinking Day, “Our Friendship”, to commemorate 100 years of World Thinking Day. “Reaching this centennial milestone is not simply about marking time; it is about celebrating a century of global sisterhood, shared values, and collective impact. The focus on friendship reinforces the very foundation upon which Guiding was built on, the unity across borders, cultures, and generations,” the Association outlined.

“ As Brownies explored what makes their friendships special, they also considered how those same principles of kindness, loyalty, respect, and service can be extended into their schools, homes, and wider communities.”

The Association said participants were encouraged to think critically, express themselves with confidence, and reflect meaningfully on the strength of Brownie sisterhood and its influence beyond the Movement.

“The event provided a platform for personal growth, leadership development, and the strengthening of communication skills at an early age,” it also said in the release.

Each participant was said to have demonstrated poise, clarity, and a genuine understanding of what it means to nurture friendship within Girl Guiding and extend it outward.

The results were as follows: In the Prepared Speech, Laina Nanton of the No. 2 St. Mary’s Kingstown Brownie Pack placed first; second was Keri Dickson of the Sugar Mill Inn Bim Bims & Brownie Pack; and Oricia Primus of the No. 22 Kingstown Brownie Pack and Zipporah Malcom of the No. 2 Kingstown Brownie Pack tied for the third place. The

Best Impromptu Speech was delivered by Keri Dickson of the Sugar Mill Inn Bim Bims & Brownie Pack; Laina Nanton of the No. 2 St. Mary’s Kingstown Brownie Pack placed second; and Zipporah Malcolm of the No. 2 Kingstown Brownie Pack was third. The Overall Best Performers were: Keri Dickson (Sugar Mill Inn Bim Bims & Brownie Pack, first; Laina Nanton of the No. 2 St. Mary’s Brownie Pack, second; and third was Zipporah Malcom of the No. 2 St. Mary’s Brownie Pack.

The Sugar Mill Inn’s Keri Dickson was declared the overall best performer as a result of her “outstanding performance across both prepared and impromptu segments” in which she “reflected confidence, composure, and exceptional articulation”, coupled with her ability “to think on her feet, structure her ideas clearly, and engage her audience”.

Apart from the placements, the Association said, “the true value of the Brownies Public Speaking lies in its developmental impact”.

“Through participation, the Brownies strengthen their self-confidence, improve their public speaking skills, learn to organise their thoughts effectively, and develop the courage to express their ideas before an audience.

“The experience fosters resilience, critical thinking, and leadership skills that will serve them not only within Guiding but throughout their academic journeys and future careers.”

It added that the Althea Commissiong Brownie Public Speaking “continues to be a transformative initiative, equipping young girls with the tools to use their voices with purpose, conviction and qualities that reflect the true spirit of guiding”.