Youth must take reins of leadership – Cadet Corps told on 8th Anniversary

The Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC), under the umbrella of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), is marking its eighth anniversary with a week of activities aimed at strengthening leadership, discipline, and community involvement among young people, while expanding its presence to 60 schools nationwide.
On Sunday, GDF released a message to Cadets from Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Keith G Watts, MEM.
“Today, we celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC). This week, you will take part in activities that test both your competitiveness and leadership skills,” he said.
Watts noted that the activities were curated by the Cadets themselves.
He explained, “Importantly, these events were not imposed on you but instead planned by your officers and instructors, based on suggestions provided by you, the Cadets.” He added that the week’s programme includes “many things from colour-themed picnics to fitness competitions and community service initiatives.”
Encouraging reflection during the anniversary celebrations, Lieutenant Colonel Watts urged Cadets to embrace the Corps’ guiding principle.
“As you take part in these activities, I urge that you reflect on our motto, ‘Moulding Today’s Youth, Securing Our Future’, and ask yourselves, ‘Is there anything more I can do to help in the development of my fellow Cadets, schoolmates and neighbourhood friends?'”
Expressing his confidence in the creativity of the Corps’ members, he stated that the officers’ creative minds will bring forth ideas that will pave their way through your chain of command to the Headquarters, where they can be taken even further.

He further cautioned, “So, I caution you, do not be surprised when you see an implementation of a policy idea you once imagined when you challenged yourself to think beyond your own needs.”
The Commanding Officer also added, “As our country continues to rise in the world, so too must our youth be positioned to take the reins of leadership across all sectors of society.” He explained that it is this recognition that continues to drive the growth of the Corps.
This month, eleven additional schools will join the GNCC: Blackbush Secondary, Berbice Educational Institute, Campbellville Secondary, DC Caesar Fox, Johanna Cecilia Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Number 8 Secondary, Yarrowkabra Secondary, and Zeeburg Secondary.
Lieutenant Colonel Watts noted that the addition brings the total number of participating schools to 60, stating that the figure is significant as Guyana celebrates its 60th Independence Anniversary this year.
Important place in development
Meanwhile, in a separate message, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan extended congratulations to the commanding officer, officers, instructors, and Cadets across the country on the Corps’ eighth anniversary.
In his statement, he penned that the Corps “occupies an important place in the development of Guyana’s youth” and continues, through “structured training, discipline, community service, and leadership development,” to prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The Chief of Defence Staff further emphasised that the values instilled within the Cadet Corps, “responsibility, teamwork, respect and resilience”, are foundational to the future leadership of the country and wished the Guyana National Cadet Corps continued growth and success.