Girl Guides Challenge Vincentians to Build Safer Communities 

By Admin. Updated 7:00 a.m., Monday, September 28, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

A simple message with a powerful meaning echoed through the St. Vincent Girls’ High School on Friday as members of the No. 1 Kingstown Girl Guides reminded their audience that creating safer communities is everyone’s responsibility.

The troop hosted its Sign Language and Orange Day Reading and Public Speaking Competition, bringing together girls from the various patrols to showcase not only their speaking and reading abilities but also their understanding of community responsibility, empathy and non-violence.

The public speaking competition centred on the theme, “Everyone has a role to play in creating safer communities.”

Emerging as the winner was Neveah George of the Lily Patrol, whose speech argued that safer communities are built not simply through stronger laws or higher walls, but by everyday acts of care, accountability and positive choices.

She highlighted the responsibility of families to teach children that “real strength is in restraint,” communities to look out for one another, and young people to resolve conflict peacefully while supporting friends who may feel unsafe.

George also challenged the audience to recognise that rehabilitation has a place in creating safer communities.

“Even those who have done wrong… have a role,” she said. “The role of accountability and change.”

She concluded by reflecting on the importance of Orange Day activities within the Girl Guides movement.

“When we have Orange Day competitions like this, where we march in orange, where we learn first aid, learn sign language and how to listen without judging, we are not just earning badges. We are practising how to make our community safer.”

Briyoni Pompey of the Dragonfly Patrol placed second in the public speaking competition, while Belle Adams of the Butterfly Patrol secured third place.

The other competitors were Jolie English (Starfish Patrol), Zahndra Roberts (Rose Patrol), Lula Beache (Parrot Patrol), Kalicia Rodgers (Daisy Patrol), Jnea Toby (Daffodils Patrol) and Myla Veira (Bumblebee Patrol).

Following the public speaking segment, the Girl Guides held their inter-patrol reading competition.

Avrie King of the Dragonfly Patrol claimed first place, followed by Dania Bailey of the Butterfly Patrol in second and Jemima Thomas of the Parrot Patrol in third.

Other participants included Kayla John (Starfish Patrol), Kara Farrell (Rose Patrol), Emma John (Daffodils Patrol), Alyssa Rawlins (Bumblebee Patrol), Zhordanne Jack (Daisy Patrol) and Amaia Waterstone (Lily Patrol).

The event formed part of the troop’s observance of Orange Day, which promotes awareness of gender-based violence and encourages individuals and communities to take action in fostering respect, inclusion and safety for all.

END