Two months after celebrating World Thinking Day 2021 under the theme “Stand Together for Peace”, the Girl Guides Association of Dominica (GGAD) which has been in existence for the past 91 years held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 24, 2021, its theme being “Guiding is an Active Voice in Peace Building”. It is no coincidence that both themes are centered around the word peace as the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the globe believe that with the motive of increasing awareness and sensitivity to global concerns, peace is greatly needed, and Girl Guides and Girl Scouts should stand for peace.
The AGM was hosted by International Commissioner Josette Seraphine-Hedrington and chaired by President of the GGAD, Josephine Lewis.
Dr. Damien Dublin graced us with his presence as the featured speaker, who spoke eloquently on the given theme with a speech titled “Knowing Thyself”, highlighting the following areas:-
- Intrinsic Motivation
- Benefits of Community Involvement
- Impact of Guiding in Nurturing Future Leaders
- Challenged to be the Difference
Further, there were unique entertainment presentations by the 10th Roseau Girl Guides and the 2nd Roseau Brownie Pack.
Additionally, Guider of the 11th Roseau Girl Guides, Abigail Christmas presented on her recently launched advocacy project, Perfect In My Own Skin, highlighting the importance of the association’s role as advocates for body positivity and self awareness in Dominican women.
Special recognition was given to the Chief Commissioner, Valencia Webb and the Secretary of the GGAD, Ceeann Lanford for their dedication and tireless efforts. Further, Jemima Mills, a Young Leader from the Mahaut Troop was recognized for her efforts as the most consistent Guides In Motion host for the year 2020/2021; Sherrese Andrew was recognized for her contribution to the 11th Roseau Girl Guides Unit as an outgoing leader of the said unit and Abigail Christmas, Senior Leader of the 11th Roseau Girl Guides Unit was recognized as the most Outstanding Leader.
Moreover, the GGAD executive welcomed 5 newly elected members namely:-
- Brownie Commissioner: Alicia Griffith
- Deputy Brownie Commissioner: Ann Marie Graneau
- Western District Commissioner: Cecilia Ferreira
- Eastern District Commissioner: Dale Christmas
- Public Relations Officer: Abigail Christmas
Presently, the composition of the GGAD executive is as follows:-
- President: Josephine Lewis
- Vice President: Jennifer Laudat
- Chief Commissioner: Valencia Webb
- Secretary: Ceeann Lanford
- Treasurer: Mara Abraham
- Public Relations Officer: Abigail Christmas
- Training Commissioner: Marcia Dublin
- International Commissioner: Josette Seraphine-Hedrington
- Brownie Commissioner: Alicia Griffith
- Deputy Brownie Commissioner: Ann Marie Graneau
- Western District Commissioner: Cecilia Ferreira
- Eastern District Commissioner: Dale Christmas
We salute all the members of the GGAD and look forward to witnessing the continued development of girls and young women across Dominica through the efforts of the very dedicated leaders who volunteer their service to the association.
We appeal to and encourage Dominican girls and young women to join the guiding movement as we are ‘active voices in peace building’ and we pledge to shine our guiding light in a world that is desperately in need of peace.
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