Quindell Ferguson – IVP for Caribbean & Americas
I first joined the St. Johns Kirk Girls’ Guildry Company in Garden section when I was 8 years old and remember learning the laws and motto, Wise Unto That Which is Good. We did Bible study, drilling, playing games, and learning about the Girls’ Guildry. I went up the rank to Greenwood on to Guildry Girl. I can remember on 10 June 1968 attending the service to mark the merger of the three groups that made up Girls’ Brigade at the inaugural service held at Torrington Dis. Of Christ Church. My first Guardian was Mrs Thomas who kindled my enthusiasm for the work and that enthusiasm has continued even to this day.
In 1981 I started the 6th Kingston Company at the St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk United Church of which I served as the Captain for 36 years.
Girls’ Guildry teaching gave me a firm foundation for, and an opportunity to, share my faith and to be trained in leadership. I’ve learned so many things during training sessions, but above all I thank God for His faithfulness, giving me health, strength, ability, and enthusiasm to share His love with young people for so many years and that so many have committed their lives to serve our Lord.
In 1984 I served as adjutant for many years for my District and then as commandant for 4 years during this time I became deeply involved in new officer training at District level – a challenge I enjoyed. When I was elected to the position of divisional commissioner in 2004 it brought a whole new dimension to my Girls’ Brigade work – attending more meetings and visiting the company meetings, the girls and their officers. I’ve also held several national GB roles.
In addition to Girls’ Brigade work I’m Co-Founder and Artistic director to the Jamaica Youth Theatre, a group of young thespians who have entertained and delighted audiences of all ages, at home and abroad, for the better part of 10 years; I’m also Chairperson of Secondary School’s Drama Festival and the Caribbean Secondary School’s Drama Festival.
I also run a local theatre costume design and rental shop. I’m one of Jamaica’s leading collectors of period costumes and theatre props. I’ve served as costume designer for several of Jamaica’s national events, film and theatre productions such as Marcus Garvey, Don’t Look For Me In The World Wind, and The Ity and Fancy Cat show to name a few.
I’m an active member in my church where I serve as Technical Consultant, Chairperson Fundraising and member of the Property Committee.
I was awarded 2nd place for Kingston for Nation Building through Voluntary Service, For Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), and, in 2017, The Government of Jamaica Badges of Honour for meritorious service BH(M) for Voluntary and numerous contributions to Girls’ Brigade in Jamaica.
I’m really looking forward to this new post. Your prayers and support would be appreciated during this time so that God will help me to carry out my duties.
As to the future of Girls’ Brigade – I believe it’s as strong now as ever and will survive for a long time as long as we have offices for the vine year, for me I can think of no better way to serve the master and I pray that I will enjoy with good health to continue for a few more years.
Finally, I must close with some verses from the scriptures;
1 Chronicles 28:20
Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished (RSVCE).
