Girls must be resilient

UPDATE:

Saying TT is a nation where violence against women is often committed, President Paula-Mae Weekes has urged members of the Girl Guides Association to take advantage of the skills and training offered by the association so they could grow into resilient and self-assured individuals.
“Most of you are old enough to understand that we live in a nation in which violence is often committed against women and you should know the values and skills that you are now learning through your various activities and interactions will enable you in the future to be bold and confident and understand your value as an individual.

“None of us can doubt that it is becoming more and more important in our nation for women to be self-assured and resilient.”

The President was speaking at a thanksgiving service at the St Paul’s Anglican Church, Harris Promenade, San Fernando to officially welcome her as Girl Guides patron yesterday.
She became the first sitting President to hold the post of Girl Guides patron in its 104 year old history.

She said she was always impressed with the discipline displayed by Girl Guides and Brownies.
“I have never been a brownie or a girl guide. That has been my loss. I have always been impressed with how disciplined the girls were and I have to admit I was always very envious of your appearance and manner,” Weekes said.

She also praised the guides’ “power of teamwork’ saying this would allow them to work better with others and called on the leaders to “nurture and direct” their young charges as well as tailor activities which would allow for increased participation in the association.

Archdeacon Edwin Primus, in his remarks, said girls were often “trapped” in domestic violence.
‘Many of our young girls and our women are trapped in a cycle of violence, domestic violence, young girls are being abused by those they trust.”

He then asked guides and brownies to repeat a pledge. “Say to yourselves–my body belongs to me. I will not allow myself to be abused by anyone because my body is the temple of God.”
Quoting from the New Testament, he told them they had to avoid temptation to do evil.

“Avoid the temptation to be selfish, rude, envious and disrespectful.” Afterwards, the President, accompanied by San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello, toured several booths which showcased some of the association’s activities, such as craft and camping.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Saying TT is a nation where violence against women is often committed, President Paula-Mae Weekes has urged members of the Girl Guides Association to take advantage of the skills and training offered by the association so they could grow into resilient and self-assured individuals.

“Most of you are old enough to understand that we live in a nation in which violence is often committed against women and you should know the values and skills that you are now learning through your various activities and interactions will enable you in the future to be bold and confident and understand your value as an individual.

None of us can doubt that it is becoming more and more important in our nation for women to be self-assured and resilient.”

The President was speaking at a thanksgiving service at the St Paul’s Anglican Church, Harris Promenade, San Fernando to officially welcome her as Girl Guides Patron today.