News

Following an announcement about the ending of British Girlguiding Overseas operations, along with units in the Middle East and Africa, Asia and Europe, a debate took place in the United Kingdom (UK) Parliament this week on the future of Girlguiding in the British Overseas Territories. 

Girlguiding UK has said its Girlguiding activity will continue in the Overseas Territories for the first few months of 2024, after which a further update will be issued.

Concerning the development, Minister of Youth, Sports and Heritage Hon. Isaac Rankine stated that it is disappointing that consideration to remove the organisational structure is underway. “Girlguiding Cayman Islands has provided structure, guidance and leadership development to many girls in the Cayman Islands over the years. Girlguiding has helped to develop girls into strong women and leaders in the Cayman Islands and globally. The Overseas Territories should continue to be afforded sound governance and support from the governing body of Girlguiding,” he said. 

Similarly, the Commissioner of Girlguiding Cayman Islands, Charlotte Lewis noted, “The decision to cease operating British Girlguiding Overseas came as a shock. It has been particularly disappointing that this decision included the British Overseas Territories, which enjoy such special links to the UK. The Commissioners in the Territories have been working very hard to understand the concerns and reasons for the decisions and to provide achievable plans for continuing Girlguiding programmes in the Overseas Territories. Girlguiding Cayman Islands has provided so many girls and women with opportunities to develop, grow and make lifelong friendships. It is important to continue our link with Girlguiding UK and allow our members to be recognised as part of the sisterhood.”

Girlguiding Cayman Islands is a highly valued and integral part of the Cayman community. At the 20th National Heroes Day awards ceremony last year, Girlguiding Cayman Islands was recognised for its exceptional contribution to the development, enhancement, safety and wellbeing of the people of the Cayman Islands.

With a membership of around 190 girls, Girlguiding Cayman Islands currently has five Rainbow Units, eight Brownie Units, one Guide Unit and one Ranger Unit. Girlguiding Cayman Islands has taken part in many international residentials, providing opportunities for members to meet other Guides across the globe.

Guiding across the Islands has flourished for nearly a century, having been introduced by a Commissioner's wife in the 1930s. Girlguiding Cayman Islands has been a branch association of Girlguiding UK since 1987, and in 2020 was moved under the umbrella of British Girlguiding Overseas