Girlguiding takes action for the environment
(CNS Local Life): Girlguiding Cayman Islands will be taking part in a beach clean-up and fair as part of an Environment Action Day, set for Saturday, 8 June, which will also tie in with World Oceans Day. Cayman is one of the nine British Overseas Territories participating that comprise branch associations of the largest female organisation in the world.
Following a Girlguiding research project, 34,376 Brownies gave feedback that they wanted people to care about the environment and recycling, the Cayman Islands branch said in a press release, adding that “coastlines are very important to the British Overseas Territories”.
Locally, Girlguiding Cayman Islands is joining forces with Plastic Free Cayman and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation in organising the clean-up of Consuelo’s Beach from 8am-9:30am, followed by the Environment Fair at South Sound Community Centre from 9:30am-11am, which will have booths/displays from the three organisations as well as the Department of Environment.
There is also a beach clean-up scheduled for 7:30am the same day at Coconut Beach on Cayman Brac in which the resident Guides and Brownies will participate. “The location is where booby birds build their nests and sadly the birds are often using plastic” to do so, the press release said.
Charlotte Lewis, marketing manager of Girlguiding Cayman Islands, stressed the importance of generating awareness of environmental issues to the youngsters. “Taking care of our coastline and being more aware of the impact plastic has here in Cayman is vitally important,” she told CNS.
“We have been lucky enough to link our event with great partners, who are already working heavily on projects to help protect the ocean and be more waste-free. Getting our younger generations involved and changing behaviours is key. We have listened to the Brownies who gave feedback on the environment and recycling, and so it was essential for Girlguiding to respond and for Girlguiding Cayman Islands to do our part.”
Organisers suggest that the young participants bring sunscreen; a sunhat; a reusable water bottle, cup or mug, plate or bowl; and gloves, if possible. Parents, siblings and friends are all welcome and Girlguiding members should wear their uniforms.
Light refreshments will be provided, but “in the spirit of being waste-free”, no dishes or cups will be available.
In addition to the Cayman Islands, the branch associations are Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena and Turks & Caicos Islands. The purpose of Girlguiding is to help girls acquire skills for life, by teaching leadership and values while participating in fun activities. The girls engage as they build their confidence, discover their full potential and make a positive difference in our community, stated the press release.
For more information, email Allison Taylor at ataylor2005@hotmail.com or Charlotte Lewis at GGCImarketing@gmail.com, or go to the Girlguiding Cayman Islands website or Facebook page
Category: Community, Environment, Youth
