HER Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday consented to grace the celebration of the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Day 2013, which also coincides and held in conjunction with Her Majesty’s birthday celebrations.

The event was held at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, Jerudong.

Her Majesty as the Royal Patron of the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association (BDGGA) was greeted on arrival by its Chief Commissioner, Dayang Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim and other committee members.

Accompanying Her Majesty to the event were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of BDGGA; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, the Vice-President of the association.

The ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a thanksgiving prayer led by Dyg Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Abd Ghani.

In her welcoming remark, Dyg Hjh Hafsah said that in 1983 the association embarked on a new era in which the association was no longer under the Guides United Kingdom branch. The association has been entrusted as a full member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

“Since then, the association has implemented several activities and educational programmes in accordance with the Brunei values.

“Alhamdulillah, the association has managed to carry out activities and programmes that are included in the 2013 annual plan which among others includes World Thinking Day, Tenderfoot ceremony, Community Day, Girl Guides Day and many more.”

Aside from that, the association also actively organises courses, training, camps and religious ceremonies.

“In the international arena, members of the association are actively involved either in contributing ideas or support for the benefit of the WAGGGS, especially at the regional level. One member has emerged as the champion of an ‘Al-Quran Reading Competition: Journey to Friendship and Peace’ that was held in conjunction with the World Peace Day 2013 celebration.”

Dyg Hjh Hafsah thanked Her Majesty for the continuous support to all activities organised by the association.

To mark 30 years of the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association, Her Majesty consented to present special awards to several members in appreciation of their tremendous support, commitment and continuous assistance rendered to the association in implementing and organising programmes and activities for its development and progress.

Ten senior members of the association who have been in service since 1983 were awarded with special badges marking their 30 years of commitment.

Among the recipients were Datin Paduka Hajah Zaharah binti Haji Idris, Datin Paduka Hajah Jusnani binti Haji Lawie, Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Ali, Dyg Hjh Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim, Hajah Viviyanti binti Haji Ali, Hjh Zaiton binti Abu Bakar, Hjh Noraini binti Ibrahim, Hjh Napsiah binti Haji Mohammad, Dyg Mariam binti Haji Md Gais and Dyg Hjh Ma’ani binti Haji Lamat.

Meanwhile, Dayang Rokiah binti Abu Bakar was awarded with a gold badge for contributing 20 years of service to the association.

Receiving silver badges for 15 years of service were Hjh Fatimah binti Haji Abd Ghani, Norhashimah binti Zinudin, Hjh Jakia binti Haji Mohd Noor and Siti Khadizah binti Hj Mohd Zainin.

Bronze badges were presented to another eight members – Hjh Ostinah binti Haji Othman, Hajah Bidah binti Haji Amit, Norini binti Haji Tindas, Hjh Siti Fatimah binti Hj Abg Zamhor, Jalilah binti Salleh, Norliah binti Pengarah Haji Abdullah, Dk Shamsiah binti Pg Haji Damit and Hjh Halimah binti Haji Duraman.

During the event Her Majesty also acknowledged BP Quest Singapore 2013 recipients Dyg Aida binti Haji Abd Rahman, Nur Saufi binti Safri, Dk Farhana binti Pg Haji Zaini and Dyg Afifah Suaidah binti Mohd Noh. Meanwhile, Dyg Siti Nurul Aqilah received appreciation gifts for her excellence at the Al-Quran Reading competition.

The presentation of awards is hoped to motivate all members within the association to keep up their excellent service and commitment, as well as to continuously participate in programmes, projects and share ideas for the progress of the association.

The highlight of the celebration was Her Majesty cutting a birthday cake in conjunction with Her Majesty’s birthday celebration.

Before leaving the ceremony, Her Majesty and other members of the royal family received personal greetings from members of the association. - Borneo Bulletin (26 October 2013)