One century down, many more to come
Published:Sunday | March 6, 2011 | 12:00 AM
The Scout Association of Jamaica (SAJ) is 100 years old and part of the festivities was a banquet at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on February 26. Scouts from across the island rapped with corporate supporters during cocktails as they perused the photo display showing Scouts in action and the various past chief commissioners. Some even made sure to purchase centennial memorabilia. Chief Commissioner Reverend Barrington soares reiterated his desire to not only bring the numbers up to 3,000, but to return scouting in Jamaica to a more prominent place.
Family-friendly entertainment
Peter Ashbourne, a former Scout, gave his services to provide some classic renditions on piano. He was later joined by the evergreen crooner Boris Gardiner and together they provided clean, family-friendly entertainment. The irreverent Dr Aggrey Irons was up to his old tricks as master of ceremonies and he had guests rolling with his wit.
The magnitude of the milestone could not be understated. As guest speaker, United States Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater put it, a centenary is "no mean accomplishment". She acknowledged that the world is a different place from when scouting began and that youth faced unprecedented challenges. But she opined that the principles of scouting (tolerance, fairness, etc.) are more crucial today than ever.
She saluted the adults who have kept scouting relevant, and for giving the youth a viable option. She said that Scouts will have the tools to make the right decisions and to be strong enough to turn away from wrong. Ambassador Bridgewater, a former Girl Scout Brownie, also spoke directly to the Scouts, saying she hoped they learned about teamwork and leadership and that serving others is empowering, purposeful and enriching.
The fund-raising banquet preceded a Founder's Day service to culminate centennial celebrations.