Guyana National Cadet Corps officially concludes second training camp

− Min. Norton presents certificates of appreciations to cadets who hoisted Golden Arrowhead on May 26 

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Over 500 of the nation’s future leaders attached to the Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC) stood tall and proud today after their ten-day training camp concluded.

Held at the Cotton Field Government Compound, Region 2, Pomeroon/Supenaam, the camp is the second of its kind to garner participants from schools across the country.

The youths were exposed to adventure, academics, and social and cultural activities, among others throughout the camp. They also visited historical sites within the region.

[In the photo, seated third from right] Minister of Social Cohesion the Hon. Dr. George Norton, Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West [second from right] and Regional Executive Officer (REC), Denis Jaikaran along with other official and some of the GNCC cadets.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton.

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikaran.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton, commended the cadets for their participation, noting that their desire to be part of the corps speaks volumes about their dedication to the cause.  In delivering the feature address, the minister said the ceremony also presents an excellent opportunity to show appreciation to the cadets who hoisted the Golden Arrowhead on May 26 at D’Urban Park.

“It was a spectacle of a rich and prosperous future; one that is led by our young people. It was our youths who were tasked with taking charge of the parade and flag-raising ceremony… our young people executed a spectacular cultural programme, followed by a grand parade and then the mesmerizing hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead… They were able to perform a task that was no walk in the park even for well-trained military men… this was just a simple demonstration of Guyana’s future being in good hands,” he added.

The cadets who hoisted the Golden Arrowhead received certificates of appreciation.

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, highlighted that there was an increase in participants this year when compared to the corps’ last camp. He stated that this improvement is a sign of more to come.

“I know today that the experience has been an eye-opening one for many of you, it has fostered camaraderie, created new friendships and an exchange of ideas as you share and learn from each other over the last ten days… when you return to your home or school, share your experiences, be good ambassadors and recruiters for GNCC. You are walking, breathing, living posters. Live up to the image we want you to be.”

The participants were from Berbice High, St. Ignatius, Stewartville, Hope and North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary, Mackenzie High School, North West, Fort Wellington, Mahdia, Cotton Field and Bartica Secondary Schools.

North Ruimveldt Secondary was awarded first place, while Berbice High and Tucville Secondary took second and third place respectively and Mackenzie High School, fourth place.

The participants were also given a stipend to assist in the purchase of their school supplies.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikaran said that the training camp will help to groom the nation’s youths for development of their country.

“The period of training allowed them to be able to garner a number of skills…that will take them to the next stage in life, and so I urge them as they go back to the various communities, villages and regions to let this (training) have a ripple effect so that more can be involved, more can be absorbed in the process of development,” he explained.

REO Jaikaran also lauded the reintroduction of the Guyana National Service (GNS) as it will help to equip youths with the necessary skills and knowledge.