In observance of the 110th anniversary of scouting in Guyana, President David Granger yesterday said that he hopes the reach of the movement will extend across Guyana.
At the opening ceremony of the 2019 National Camp of the Scouts Association of Guyana, Granger pointed out to participants that as of 2020 youths and their development will be a main focus of his government. “I have a vision and the Commissioner of Police will help me to fulfil this vision… to ensure that there is one scout group in every capital town, in every region,” he said.
Granger added that his vision is camps in other parts of the country so the scouts can get to experience more than just the mainland. In addition, he spoke of how important it is for young people to get involved in scouting, while noting that the movement builds the character of young people and prepares them to become responsible citizens.
This year’s camp started on Friday afternoon and consists of activities for scouts to come together and celebrate the movement in Guyana.
Scouting was introduced to British Guiana in 1909, two years after it was founded in England by Sir Robert Baden-Powell. Guyana was the first Caribbean jurisdiction to start scouting, the second in the continent and the fifth in the world.
The ceremony was held at the Scouts Association of Guyana Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, which was packed with scouts of all ages.
When the brief ceremony was completed, the president was given a scarf and a beret as a thank you for his patronage.
