MEMBERS of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) joined the Scout Association of Guyana for the official opening of the 116th Anniversary National Camp, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to youth development and leadership building.
The event, which brought together scouts from across the country, saw participation from several distinguished guests, including Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Colonel Sheldon Howell, MSM; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr; Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, Mr Daniel Bood; and Director of Youth, Pandit Suresh Singh.
Later in the day, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, visited the camp, where he interacted with participants through a walkabout and an interactive leadership session. During his address, Brigadier Khan urged the young scouts to remain disciplined, focused, and confident in their abilities to lead.
He emphasised that true leadership is grounded in character, service, and perseverance — qualities shared by both the GDF and the scouting movement.
“Leadership is about service and integrity. It is developed through experience, teamwork, and resilience,” Brigadier Khan told the campers.
Chief Commissioner of the Scout Association of Guyana, Mr. Yonnick David, expressed appreciation for Brigadier Khan’s engagement, noting its motivational impact on the participants.
“Meeting leaders who have overcome challenges and achieved success helps these young people see the possibilities for growth, service, and leadership in their own lives,” Mr. David said. “While younger scouts may admire the uniform, the older ones are at a stage where they are making life-shaping decisions. Engaging with role models who have walked similar paths gives them encouragement and motivation.”
The national camp offers scouts opportunities to develop practical skills such as campsite construction, team-building, and problem-solving, while fostering friendships across regions.
Celebrating 116 years of scouting in Guyana, this year’s camp highlights the movement’s enduring focus on discipline, service, and moral character, while promoting unity and cultural exchange among participants.
The Guyana Defence Force reaffirmed its ongoing support for national youth initiatives, noting that partnerships like those help build the next generation of disciplined and civic-minded leaders.
