Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, President of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam graced the Peace Day 2008 celebrations with her presence at the Girl Guides Association headquarters at Kg Anggerek Desa, yesterday morning.

Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by the executive member of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam.

The National Anthem of Brunei Darussalam was played followed by the world Girl Guides' song and the Asia Pacific Region song.

Dayang Hajah Siti Hafsah Binti Hj Abdul Halim, the chief commissioner of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam in her welcoming remark said, "The format for this year's peace day celebration has been transformed into involving community activities namely a Peace day fair which is open for participation by members of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam, Youth and women's associations, private sector and individuals."

"A total of 16 stalls have been filled up offering items like food, toys, decorations, and other necessities. 30 per cent of the sales from the items will go to the Orphans fund," she added.

Dayang Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Hj Abdul Halim, who is also the Chairperson of the organising committee expressed, "The annual Peace Day celebration is one of the many commitments made by Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam as a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts."

She added, "During the 33rd WAGGGS world conference in Johannesburg, South Africa , all members of WAGGGS made a commitment in commemorating 100 years of the establishment of WAGGGS in year 1010. The Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam has pledged to plant 100 trees in the vicinity of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam Headquarter by year 2010.

She also pointed out "During the conference of chief commissioner from countries of commonwealth which took place at Cape town, south Africa from July 1 to 5 urged all members to share and exchange activities of Girl Guides through printed magazines, newsletter, international camps in line with the WAGGSS millennium goals."

In livening up the celebration, Brownies of Sekolah Rendah Kg Mata Mata and Sekolah Rendah Tungku presented a guides song performance. This was followed by a dance performance from the Girl Guides of Sekolah Menangah Sayyidina Hussain

After the performance, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna put the first piece of puzzle for the Millennium Development goals and WAGGGS Messages.

Following the puzzle, Her Royal Highness joined the cutting cake ceremony to mark the Peace day celebration

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna then moved on to officially launch the Peace Day fair and visit the participating stalls.

The public is welcome to visit the three days Peace Day fair from 8am until 4.30pm. - Borneo Bulletin (23rd August 2008)