Good afternoon.
It truly warms my heart to be here with you today.
When I look around and see these bright faces and proud uniforms, I am reminded of the incredible future our country has in each of you.
You bring a kind of joy and hope that stays with me long after these events are over.
The Girl Guides movement came to The Bahamas more than one hundred years ago. Since then, it has helped shape many of the women who serve our communities today.
Women who teach, women who lead, women who care for others, and women who make this country stronger in quiet, but powerful, ways.
And when I look at you, I see the next generation of those women.
Your organisation has taught girls your age to be kind, to be helpful, and to be proud of who you are.
It has taught you how to work together, how to show respect, and how to put your best effort into whatever you do.
These lessons will stay with you for life.
Your government has supported this movement through the years because we believe in you. We believe in what you can grow into. And we believe in the people who guide you every week with patience, care, and love.
But today is really about you.
So I want to speak directly to the Guides, Brownies, and Sunflowers here this afternoon.
You are still very young. You are learning new things every day. You have dreams that will take you far. And you are growing into the kind of girls who will one day make a big difference in this country.
So I want to ask you for a small promise – one that is simple enough for every girl here to keep.
Promise me that you will always try your best.
Can you do that? If yes, say, “I promise!”
Promise me that you will treat others kindly.
Promise me that you will hold your head up and believe in yourself, even on days when things feel a little tough.
Promise me that you will remember you are special, you are smart, and you matter.
Let’s give these girls a round of applause!
Girls, if you can keep those promises, you will grow into strong and confident young women who make our Bahamas proud.
Legacy House will be a place where you learn new skills, make new friends, and discover what you love. It will be a place where you feel safe, encouraged, and supported as you grow.
To the leaders and volunteers of this Association, thank you for guiding these girls with such dedication. You are shaping their lives in ways they will look back on with gratitude.
And to the girls, I want you to know this.
Your country believes in you.
I believe in you.
And I am excited for everything you will become.
Congratulations to everyone on this beautiful new chapter. May Legacy House be filled with laughter, learning, and the bright energy that only our young girls can bring.
Thank you.