A visiting Surinamese contingent of 59 Girl Guides and Brownies yesterday wrapped up seven fun-filled and gratifying days of Girl Scouting in Guyana during a camp hosted by the Guyana Girl Guides Association (GGGA).

The Suriname Guiders arrived accompanied by five leaders last Tuesday, September 3, and were accommodated at the Guyana Girl Guides’ Pavilion in Brickdam, Georgetown. While here, they paid a courtesy call on Surinamese Ambassador Nisha Kurban-Baboe; the Suriname Embassy in Georgetown, and the CARICOM Secretariat at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
They toured the Georgetown, and also travelled out of town to interesting and scenic communities on the western shores of the Demerara River.
According to GGGA Public Relations Coordinator, Schemel Patrick, the visiting contingent literally had a treat in Guyana, seeking to trace the similarities of culture of the two nations, and enjoying the cuisine; the fascinating sites and magnificent waterways; sniffing the fresh Atlantic sea-breeze wafting across Capital Georgetown; and getting familiar with the history of Guyana, while developing an appreciation for our local culture.
Last Saturday, the Guyana Girl Guides Association hosted a camp fire which allowed the local and visiting associations to have a cultural exchange in song, dance and folklore; as well as in colourful and meaningful costumes.
On Sunday, the visiting Surinamese contingent attended a church service at the St. Sidwell’s Anglican Church, and was engaged in other scheduled activities before departing Guyana today.
The Guyana Girl Guides Association has expressed pleasure and satisfaction at having their sister Guides at the just concluded camp. Public Relations Coordinator, Schemel Patrick said it provided an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their relations, to foster deeper friendships for girls, and to develop a greater appreciation for Girl Guiding.
Patrick said arrangements are being made for a reciprocal camp to be held in Suriname in the year ahead.