Scout Lynley Lutchmedial honoured for 50 years of service

Lynley Lutchmedial is joined by the fellow scouts as they appreciated him for his 50 years of service to scouting at the San Fernando District Scout Headquaters, Embacadere on July 2.

 - Marvin Hamilton
Lynley Lutchmedial is joined by the fellow scouts as they appreciated him for his 50 years of service to scouting at the San Fernando District Scout Headquaters, Embacadere on July 2. - Marvin Hamilton

Scouter extraordinaire Lynley “Lutch” Lutchmedial was honoured for his outstanding contributions of 50-plus years to the movement.

Some of his scout colleagues hosted Lynley “Lutch” Lutchmedial Appreciation Day on July 2 at the San Fernando District Scout headquarters at Embacadere, San Fernando, where he served for 50 years.

Lutchmedial, 63, is a coin, stamp and scout badge collector, sports and jamboree enthusiast, and author, to name a few. At the appreciation day people saw a fraction of his collection and work that showcased his passion and dedication to the movement over the years.

Lutchmedial was actively involved in the scouting movement from 1967 when he joined the Milton Couva Cub Pack until last year.

Lynley Lutchmedial shows the young scouts some of his collection at his appreciation day at the San Fernando District Scout Headquaters, Embacadere, on July 2. - Marvin Hamilton

Team member of the appreciation committee Gerard Ahee said Lutchmedial was the longest-serving district commissioner of the San Fernando Scout District, successfully making it the leading scout district in the country.

Ahee said Lutchmedial has the largest collection of scout badges and other scout paraphernalia and created a museum at his home in Couva.

Lutchmedial is also the author of three local scout history books — History of Scouting in San Fernando Vols 1 and 2 and History of Scouting at 1st Notre Dame Sea Scouts.

After leaving the club pack, Lutchmedial reminisced that in 1972 he joined 1st Notre Dame Sea Scouts and became assistant scout leader six years later. He held several positions, including district commissioner 1993-2021 in San Fernando and zonal commissioner for South Central. He attended seven World Jamborees and was the contingent leader of six.

Young scouts at the opening ceremony of the Lynley Lutchmedial Appreciation day at the San Fernando District Scout Headquaters, Embacadere, on July 2. - Marvin Hamilton

“Scouting is important in everyone’s life. It teaches children of all ages the basic skills to do things independently. It is about life training, from cooking to first aid, to taking care of themselves and becoming an adult,” Lutchmedial said.

He believes that scouting is needed in schools as it can curb violence. But considering scouting is voluntary, not many people want to be scout leaders and give their time and energy to the movement.

“That is why schools do not have much scouting,” he said.

A flyer at the event said Dave Gopaul, a former district commissioner, was Lutchmedial’s mentor.

His brother Carlstien Lutchmedial, an international OSH specialist and author, together with San Fernando mayor Junia Regrello, San Fernando East MP Brian Manning and former San Fernando West MP Dianne Seukeran, also attended.

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