…introduces new PRO, speaks of this year’s programme
THE Scout Association of Guyana (SAG) on Wednesday held a luncheon at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion, in Georgetown, to forge a closer relationship with the media, to introduce their new Public Relations Officer, Sophia Findlay-Lall, and to highlight the activities of SAG for the remainder of this year.
There the media was introduced to the executive members of SAG along with three of the six scouts who will be attending the World’s Jamboree in Sweden this year.
Chief Scout Ron Robinson told reporters that the event was fitting since their intention is to develop a working relationship with the media.
SAG Vice President, Ramsay Ali, said that he sees the activity as important since it highlights the development of youths in Guyana.
There too, Indar Deodat, SAG Treasurer, added that the accounts of SAG are well up-to-date, and the finances are well spent and in order, since there is accountability and transparency.
In his remarks, Chief Commissioner Zaida Joaquin spoke of the work of SAG and its recent developments as well as its planned programmes.
She revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, has teamed up with SAG and he has successfully managed to establish scout groups in all the divisions, where they provide transportation and uniforms for the scouts.
Joaquin noted that SAG admits children from as young as seven and they experience an informal education of practical outdoor activities such as camping, woodcraft, hiking, backpacking and sports.
She stated that scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society.
Joaquin added that nationally, over the past year, scout groups from around the country were engaged in many activities, including an Art Competition in October 2010; Stove-top Competition in April, 2011; the 85th National Anniversary Cub Camp held at Ft. Wellington Secondary School, West Coast Berbice, in May, for cub scouts ages 7 to 11; Backwoodsman Competition for the explorer, from ages 11 to 15, and Venturer ages 15-19 years old scouts; Clean Up the World in September 2010, when scouts came out in their numbers to Clean Up the seawalls; the 101st National Anniversary Camp for the Explorer and the Venturer Scouts in November 2010 at the Scout headquarters; and the recent national Pioneering Competition.
She noted that they will also participate in the Explorer and Venturer Scouts National Expedition on July 8-10, 2011.
Joaquin also talked of the many events on the international level at which they were represented.
She urged adults to become scouts since they need more of them to assist in the supervision of the younger scouts, and she spoke also of the activities which they have planned for their fund raising drive this year.
Scouting was officially founded in 1909. In 1967, Guyana was accepted into the World Bureau (WOSM).
SAG has close to 1,000 members, including 70 adults, and their programme sections are Cubs- ages 7 to 11; Scouts- ages 11 to 18; and Venturers- ages 16 to 18.