FIVE hundred twenty-four of the country’s youth are participating in the annual cadet camp hosted by the Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC).
The camp, which returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, opened on Monday for seven days and will see the youths engaged in a packed programme of activities, including debating, impromptu speaking, drills, and various sports.

The youths are being accommodated at the Skeldon High School, Skeldon, East Berbice, Corentyne.
At an official opening ceremony recently, Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Colonel Trevor Bowman, expressed appreciation to the Government of Guyana and the subject ministries for their commitment to the realisation of the programme and, further, for ensuring that the programme remained on the annual calendar of events.

He singled out the input of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Commanding Officer GNCC, teachers, instructors, and cadets, noting that they are all integral to the event’s coordination and execution.

“This gathering here is testimony to the importance of the programme and to what we can achieve when we work together. This is indeed a wonderful platform to bring our children together, to realise the Commander-in-Chief’s vision of “One Guyana”. Colonel Bowman said.

He continued: The diversity here today speaks volumes of that. What we have here is essentially a representation of Guyana, a representation of our future and the opportunities created here should not be lost to us. The strong collaboration between the Guyana Defence Force, the Ministries and the Guyana National Cadet Corp enables this programme to grow from strength to strength.”

In opening remarks, Commanding Officer of the Guyana National Cadet Corps, Major Christine Bradford-Porter, thanked the administration of the Skeldon High and Skeldon Primary Schools for hosting the camp this year. Major Porter reflected that the last camp was held back in 2019, so she was pleased the 2022 camp was realised.

She highlighted that the cadets were drawn from 29 of the 34 schools enlisted with the programme.
The camp experience is guided by the theme, “Building Resilience, Fostering Networks and Embracing New Norms,” and in this regard, Major Porter urged the importance of teamwork, respect for others, and the meaning of healthy relationships as she encouraged the cadets, to enjoy their experience while being disciplined and friendly.

Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Marcel Hutson, thanked the Guyana Defence Force for their contributions to the programme’s success and urged the cadets to be agents of change who possess honesty, decency, and great character.

The cadets will be engaged in the GLAD competition, which is described as Good Leadership And Discipline. It comprises debating competitions, impromptu speech, road relay, scavenger hunts, drills, and sports.
Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Assistance Chief Education Officer (Technical), Mrs. Marcia Paddy-Andrews, and members of the Regional Administration.

One hundred thirty-nine instructors from the participating schools are on the ground along with the entire administration of the Corps to ensure proper supervision of the cadets.
The camp commenced on Monday, July 11, 2022, and closes on Sunday, July 18, 2022.