Where are NDSS Original Scouts Now?
Girls of 1st. Notre Dame Sea Scouts
By
Ms. Eslyn Bellille
It was the vision of Mr. Anthony Spears to introduce a female section into the folds of 1st. Notre Dame Sea Scout Group. In 1994, this vision was made a reality when three adult female candidates were selected.
| Ms. Ann Marie George | Ms. Debbie James (deceased) | Ms. Eslyn Bellille |
Under the supervision of Mr. Spears, Dave Byer and Kirk Jean Baptiste, we were schooled for approximately one year on all aspects of Sea Scouting.
Mr. Spears first rule given to us was - "never give a scout something to do that you cannot do yourself". With this rigorous training, a combination of physical, drill, swimming, rappelling and other parts of the scout skills, we were ready to become leaders of the group.
We were not allowed to complain as females, but we were treated as one of the guys. This meant anything the guys did, we had to be better.
In 1995, interviews were held and a new era began when eight teenagers (females) were chosen to pioneer this forbidden territory. Girls now had the opportunity to experience and enjoy camping, hiking, rappelling, pioneering, navigation and life saving to realize their full potential as young adults.
They were:
| La Toya Quan Chan | Natalie Mc Burnie |
| Dana Worell | Rhonda Bristol |
| Tamika Reeves (deceased) | Stacy Ann Alexander |
| Ayesha Gill | Stacy Roopehansigh |
These yound ladies were tained to be Unit Leaders of the 1st. Notre Dame Venture Scout Section. Upon their readiness to take command, saw the recruits of the first batch of over twenty females into the section in 1996. What we were taught in the past year equipped us in understanding the task ahead. Interacting with girls from various walks of life was a challenge. At times, there were loggerheads, but we overcame the untamable.
Special and a variety of skills were developed, and we became part of the 'family'. Hence, making a place for the girls in 1st. Notre Dame Sea Scouts, the first Southern Scout Group to admit females succesful.
1st.Notre Dame Venture Scout Girls @ the Caribbean Jamboree
Editors Note: The first set of girls introduced to scouting in San Fernando were 3rd. Trinidad Sea Scout Group, however, at that time, girls were not admitted in the Scout Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
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