The Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC) has successfully completed its historic participation in the 2025 Caribbean Cadet Camp, held in Grand Bay, Dominica from July 19 to August 2. The Guyanese delegation, comprising 11 cadets and two instructors, joined over 300 cadets and Officers from 12 Caribbean nations for two weeks of training, cultural exchange, and collaboration under the theme “Empowering Our Youths.”
As the GNCC’s first time at the regional camp, the experience marked a significant milestone in the Corps’ development. Cadets engaged in a range of structured activities including armed and unarmed drill competitions, map reading and orienteering, self-defense training, public speaking, and disaster preparedness. Evenings were filled with cultural nights, water sports, church parades, and team-building activities, providing a holistic environment for learning, discipline, and camaraderie.
The camp also featured the Association of Caribbean Commandants’ Conference, where GNCC instructors met with regional leaders to discuss standardizing training and strengthening partnerships. These discussions opened doors for future collaboration and alignment of GNCC practices with regional benchmarks, advancing the Corps’ goal of becoming a more integrated and modernized youth programme.
The cadets, selected from all eleven educational districts across Guyana through a competitive, multi-tiered process, proudly represented the nation both in uniform and as cultural ambassadors. Their conduct, confidence, and eagerness to learn reflected the values instilled by the GNCC and left a strong impression on their regional counterparts.
Beyond training, the camp underscored the importance of unity and inclusion. Cadets shared meaningful cultural exchanges and interacted with youth from diverse backgrounds, including participants from Dominica’s Kalinago Territory, reinforcing the idea that cadet programmes can be powerful tools for national pride and empowerment.
Adding to the significance of the GNCC’s involvement, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Keith Watts and Training Officer Captain Germain Watson visited the contingent during the camp. Their presence provided strong moral support to the cadets and affirmed the GNCC’s commitment to youth development. Both officers also participated in the Association of Caribbean Commandants’ Conference, where they contributed to regional discussions on cadet training standardization and cooperation—helping to position the GNCC more firmly within the regional framework.
The Guyana Defence Force and the GNCC commend the cadets and instructors for their performance and extend thanks to the host nation for its warm hospitality. As cadets return home equipped with new skills, expanded networks, and a stronger sense of regional identity, this landmark experience signals a bold step forward for the GNCC and its vision of youth development through service, leadership, and regional collaboration.
The Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC) is a youth development programme jointly managed by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Reintroduced in 2018, the GNCC is currently active in 48 secondary schools across all eleven education districts, with approximately 2,500 active members. With the reopening of schools on the horizon, this number is expected to increase, as the programme continues to serve youths aged 12 to 16. Designed to build character, discipline, and essential life skills, the GNCC remains a key pillar in the national effort to nurture responsible, resilient, and civic-minded young citizens.
