THE Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association yesterday celebrated the 28th Girl Guides Day, which was graced by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, the association’s royal patron, at the main conference hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The celebration was also held to commemorate Her Majesty’s birthday.

Accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, President of the association; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

The royal entourage was greeted upon their arrival by the association’s Chief Commissioner, Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim. The celebration commenced with the singing of the national anthem by the younger members of the association.

A recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a thanksgiving prayer ensued by Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Abdul Ghani, the Spiritual Commissioner of the association followed by a welcoming speech by the chief commissioner.

In feting members for their long years of service, gold service badges were presented to two girl guides for their 20 years of service, while four others received silver service badges for 15 years of dedication. For 10 years of service, bronze service badges were presented to three girl guides.

Members of the association across the country joined forces to put on an aerobics performance for Her Majesty, after which the royal patron consented to present the gold service badges to Hajah Maimunah binti Abdullah and Hajah Jaliah binti Haji Md Noor as well as silver service badges to Norazrina binti Haji Sarbini, Norliham binti Haji Tuah, Hajah Norsanam binti Haji Abd Aziz and Kamilah binti Muhammad Hanif.

Her Majesty also consented to present the bronze service badges to Linda binti Haji Abdullah, Dk Siti Rai’nah binti Pg Haji Suhaimin and Azana binti Haji Ahad.

The celebration came to a conclusion with Her Majesty consenting to a meet-and-greet session with members of the association prior to the royal luncheon. - Borneo Bulletin (20 October 2014)