Dominica

Promise:

Girl Guide Promise

I promise that I will do my best:
To do my duty to God,
To serve my country,
To help other people, and
To keep the Guide Law.

Brownie Guide Promise

I promise I will do my best:
To do my duty to God,
To serve my country,
To help other people, and
To keep the Brownie Guide Law

Law:

Girl Guide Law

1 A Guide is loyal and can be trusted.

2 A Guide is helpful.

3 A Guide is polite and considerate.

4 A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides.

5 A Guide is kind to animals and respects all living things.

6 A Guide is obedient.

7 A Guide has courage and is cheerful in all difficulties.

8 A Guide makes good use of her time.

9 A Guide takes care of her own possessions and those of other people.

10 A Guide is self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does.

Brownie Guide Law

A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself and does a good turn every day.

Motto:

Girl Guide Motto - Be Prepared

Brownie Guide Motto - Lend a Hand

Development of the movement:

In 1928 a Guider from neighbouring Barbados visited Dominica and persuaded her friend, who was resident in Dominica, to work towards the establishment of Guiding there.

In 1930 the first Dominica Girl Guide company was inaugurated, the first Brownie pack soon followed in 1931, and two Ranger companies were started in 1933.

Because of the effects of war, there was little Guiding activity during the years 1940 to 1945, but the programme soon resumed in 1946. After a visit by the World Chief Guide and trainers from the United Kingdom in 1951, new enthusiasm developed and Guiding became firmly established in Dominica. The Association functioned as a Branch Association of the Guide Association (UK) until 1986 when it became self-governing.

In 1979 the Association celebrated its Golden Jubilee but in August of the same year, Hurricane David struck the island and caused a major disruption to Guiding, due to large-scale emigration and a preoccupation with economic recovery and survival. By 1981, however, Guiding had resumed its normal activities and continued to grow steadily.

Over the past three years the Association has experienced a drop in membership. Most of the teenagers moved to the Scouts Movement (which is now accepting females) and other social groups. A Caribbean programme is being finalized to make the Movement more attractive to the Ranger age group. Locally a great deal of work has been put into developing a training scheme which will help the development of Guiding in Dominica.

Programme:

The current programme used in Dominica is based on: keeping fit; becoming a homemaker; keeping the Guide Law; getting to know people; enjoying the outdoors; thinking for yourself and exploring the arts.

New programmes and training schemes are under preparation.

Relationship to society:

Community Service is an important part of the Guide programme in Dominica. Units in all communities attend church once a month. During National Day celebrations in November all units take part in the youth parade.

Guides visit the hospital and infirmary on a regular basis and occasionally present gifts to the elderly and the patients of the children’s ward, who are also entertained during those visits. Some Ranger and Guide units go carolling during the Christmas season and in some communities Christmas parties are held for underprivileged children.

In June 1999 the Canefield Guide Company presented garbage bins to the Canefield Village Council to enhance proper garbage disposal in the community.

Communication and Co-operation

The Association sometimes participates in events organized by other associations in the Caribbean. The Guide Association has been accepted in the community for over 70 years and has good relations with the Government.

* Information compiled in 1999

Projects

• 187 HIV/AIDS Awareness