Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, Saturday afternoon attended the 14th Scout Jamboree held at Camp Ayanganna, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) headquarters. This years marks 100 years of the existence of scouting.

Young ladies engaged in a cultural presentation.

Prime Minister Hinds, on behalf of the Government, acknowledged the sterling contributions that scouting has made, not only in Guyana but internationally.

He said that scouting inculcates leadership and discipline, and he encouraged the youths to become more knowledgeable about Guyana’s history and the history of scouting.

Prime Minister Hinds applauded the scouts for their hard work and stated that scouting prepares individuals in various areas such as preventing the spread of HIV, reducing substance abuse, teenage pregnancies and under-employment.

Among those present at the opening ceremony were Chief Scout Ron Robinson, Chief Scout Commissioner Zaida Joaquin, and representatives from various scout groups across Guyana and the Caribbean.

Guyana was the first country in South America to form a scouting association and currently has a national membership of approximately 1,000 persons.

Among the activities at the jamboree was a display of parachuting skills by GDF personnel. (GINA)