Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership joined youth organizations in a significant celebration of World Thinking Day and Founders Day during a special service at Spring Gardens Moravian Church last Sunday. Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams participated alongside leaders from both the Girl Guides and Scouts Associations, highlighting the national importance of youth development programs.
Lady Williams, serving as Patron of the Girl Guides Association, delivered the keynote address centered on this year’s theme of ‘Our Friendships.’ She expressed profound encouragement witnessing young people gathered in worship and unity, emphasizing that the movement extends beyond skill acquisition and badge earning to fundamentally encompass relationship building.
The address highlighted previous campaigns where Guides across the island demonstrated support against gender-based violence, which Lady Williams characterized as ‘true friendship’ and ‘the magnetism of unity.’ She encouraged uniformed body members to diligently work toward qualification for the prestigious 2026 Guiding Light Award and medal, presented by the Halo Foundation.
Significant recognition was given to the Girl Guides for recently hosting their inaugural Talent Show and Thinking Day Pageant. Lady Williams noted that workshops leading to the ‘Power of Friendship Pageant’ effectively built solidarity and teamwork, indicating the group’s progression toward intensified and inspiring camaraderie through innovation and collaboration.
The Governor General’s contributions were also acknowledged, with Sir Rodney Williams providing active leadership and steadfast support to the Scouting movement as the nation’s Chief Scout. His ongoing commitment will be demonstrated later this month when he chairs the Annual General Meeting of the Antigua and Barbuda Scouts Association at Government House, reinforcing his dedication to organizational strengthening at all levels. This engagement underscores the critical role of Scouting and Guiding in developing character and confidence among youth.
The service was coordinated under the leadership of Chief Commissioners Mrs. Patricia Salmon (Scouts) and Mrs. Suzette Spencer-Burton (Guides), with Reverend Judy Winspeare-Philip serving as officiating minister.