The Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC) has successfully wrapped up its 2025 Annual National Cadet Camp, held from August 3–9 at the Abrams Zuil Secondary School. The week-long programme brought together 248 cadets from across the country, supported by instructors and staff, in what is being hailed as one of the most impactful camps in recent years despite a slight decrease in numbers compared to previous years.
Returning to Essequibo for only the second time in the Corps’ history, the camp was guided by the theme “Preparing Young Leaders to Better Confront Present and Future Challenges by Enhancing their Awareness, Adaptability, and Agility Capabilities.” The objectives to inculcate a sense of responsibility, foster unity, expose cadets to the diversity of Guyana, and engage them in meaningful activities were woven into every aspect of the week.
Each day began with flag-raising ceremonies and physical education training, instilling discipline, patriotism, and physical readiness. Cadets honed essential life and leadership skills through first aid training, map reading and navigation, and camp craft developing the capacity to overcome challenges while building character.
Under the GLAD (Good Leadership and Discipline) programme, competitions such as scavenger hunts, impromptu speaking, spelling bees, road relays, and a fiercely contested drill final tested adaptability, teamwork, and critical thinking under pressure. Recreational and cultural experiences, including a visit to the Canopy Walk, added to the cadets’ exposure to the country’s geography and heritage. The week concluded with a festive awards ceremony, campfire, and talent night, leaving cadets with a strong sense of camaraderie and celebration.
Delivering remarks at the camp’s opening, Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Colonel Lorraine Foster, MSM, expressed her pride and optimism for the cadets. As she surveyed the sea of cadet faces before her, Colonel Foster said she was filled with immense pride and hope. “You represent the next generation of Guyanese leaders in our communities, in our classrooms, in our boardrooms, and perhaps even in our armed forces,” she said. “You stand at the intersection of discipline and discovery, where the values of service, respect, and patriotism are planted deep and nurtured to grow strong.”
In a call to national unity, she acknowledged the crucial collaboration between the Ministry of Human Services, Ministry of Education, Regional Democratic Council of Region 2, and members of the Joint Services, highlighting that “national development is a shared responsibility.” She praised parents for entrusting their children’s training and care to the GNCC and thanked her own team for their tireless dedication to making the camp a reality.
Special recognition went to the eleven cadets who represented Guyana at the Caribbean Cadet Camp in Dominica, where they displayed resilience, skill, and pride in carrying the Golden Arrowhead on the regional stage. Lieutenant Colonel Keith Watts, Commanding Officer of the GNCC, praised their performance and urged all cadets to carry the same spirit into their own development.
In his remarks, Lt Col Watts reinforced the GNCC’s role: “To inculcate in youths the capacity to overcome challenges while building their character,” and its mission: “To inspire behavioural change and good citizenship by creating an enabling environment in which cadets can develop and excel academically, in leadership, and in wellness.” He challenged his officers and instructors to push forward with the Cadet Leadership and Proficiency Examination (CLAP) and encouraged greater participation in advanced military courses, noting the recent achievements of instructors who have excelled at both national and instructor-level training. Above all, Lt Col Watts reminded cadets of their sacred duty to be role models for their peers, families, and communities. “Our country needs you, so together, let’s answer the call,” he told them.
As the camp concluded, the 2025 edition stood as a testament to the GNCC’s commitment to moulding disciplined, capable, and civic-minded young leaders equipped not only to face present challenges but to shape the future of Guyana with unity, adaptability, and agility.
