The concept of a Western Hemisphere Region world centre began in 1946 at a training session in Havana, Cuba, where participants discussed the idea of having a world centre in the Western Hemisphere as a counterpart to Our Chalet in Switzerland. The idea was later formalized and proposed to WAGGGS. Six years later, in 1952, the World Committee approved the idea of a new world centre in the Western Hemisphere region and a search for a location was conducted. A warm, sunny climate as well as accessibility by land, sea and air were considered a priority and locations such as Panama, Cuba, and Arizona, United States were considered before the current site in Mexico was chosen. WAGGGS formally announced the location in 1954 at a world conference held in the Netherlands. 5 acres of land were purchased at 25000 dollars with the help of Girl Scouts of the USA through their Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. The remaining funds needed to construct the centre's buildings were raised by Clementine Tangeman, who solicited donations from corporations and benefactors as well as encouraging Girl Guides and Scouts worldwide to collect and donate the remaining money needed. Our Cabaña was dedicated on February 22, 1956 by Lady Olave Baden-Powell and later officially opened on July 24, 1957.