Bahamas Philately: 1970 Diamond Jubilee of Girl Guides (1910-1970)

Girl Guides is a worldwide movement, originally and largely still designed for girls and women only. The movement began in 1909 when girls requested to join the then-grassroots Boy Scout Movement. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) was formed in 1928.

In 1915, Guiding was introduced in The Bahamas by Lady Allardyce, wife of the then Governor. Guiding continued to grow in The Bahamas until 1935 when Leaders became scarce. No one was willing to make the necessary commitment, so Guiding was suspended.

However, in 1948, the flame of Guiding was rekindled by Mrs. George Higgs, the late Mrs. Eulalee Kelly and the late Mrs. Clarita Toote, the three principal officers of the new Council of the reorganized Association. It became bright and glowing and grew by leaps and bounds.

Miss Betty Cole became the First Certificated Trainer in 1960 and later became the first recipient of the Caribbean Link Diploma. That year we also had the honour and pleasure of a visit from Lady Baden-Powell. October 1968 marked the beginning of Cookie Sales, our major fund raiser.

The years between 1946-1974 saw many exciting developments in the Association. Brownie and Ranger Units were solidly formed. Companies were being formed in the Family Islands, such as Long Island, San Salvador, Exuma, Andros, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Grand Bahama and Inagua.

Details

Date of Issue: 23 February 1970
Date Withdrawn:
Date Invalidated:
Designer: Mrs Robert Sands*
Printer: Harrison & Sons Ltd., London
Process: Lithography
Paper:
Watermark: Block CA
Perf: 14.5 (comb)
Cylinders: 1A 1A 1A
Sheet: R10 x 5 (50)
Quantity:

Note: Mrs Robert Sands was a member of the Bahamas Girl Guide Executive Committee. The designs were based on rough sketches provided by various Girl Guide groups.