THE Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC) on Wednesday launched its third annual summer camp under the theme, “Remaining innovative, integrated and motivated to mould our youths to secure our future.” In observance of innovation and in view of the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s camp will be facilitated virtually via the Zoom platform. The camp’s opening ceremony saw the virtual participation of some 100 cadets from across the various regions of Guyana. Participants in the camp are of the ages 12-16.

Declaring the virtual camp open, Commanding Officer (CO) of the GNCC, Lieutenant Colonel Eon Murray, emphasised the timeliness of the camp’s theme. “Our theme emphasises our need to remain motivated, and that starts with you [the cadets] doing the right thing when no one is watching. We will attempt to motivate others by our positive responses and our determination to overcome challenges,” he said.

He explained that the GNCC cadets can stay integrated through various forms of communication across all the regions. “In this global village, we do not have a choice. It is important for us to be innovative and adapt to change. Here we are, making our own history; here we are making the impossible possible and this is because of our commitment to bonding and staying integrated,” he said.
Lieutenant-Colonel Murray challenged the cadets and staff of the GNCC to remain positive and focused, and to continue working hard. “Seek knowledge when you are in doubt and share knowledge when you have been enlightened. Stay safe to avoid contracting COVID-19 or any other infectious diseases,” he concluded.
The GNCC was established on March 1, 2018, with the initial participation of six schools. Five more schools were integrated into the programme in 2019. Another five schools which ought to have joined the corps in 2020, have had their inclusion put in abeyance due to the current COVID-19 pandemic impacts. The GNCC is now operational in all 11 of Guyana’s education districts.