The Guyana Police Force on Friday concluded its Annual Youth Camp 2026, wrapping up five days of activities designed to build leadership, confidence and character among young participants drawn from across the country.
Held under the theme “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Building Character and Youth Confidence,” the camp brought together more than 100 youths between the ages of seven and sixteen at the Kuru Kururu Co-operative College. The initiative forms part of the Force’s broader community engagement strategy, which seeks to strengthen ties with young people while promoting positive values and civic responsibility.
Organised in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Women Police, the programme exposed participants to structured activities supported by police officers, caregivers and trained facilitators, all aimed at fostering teamwork, discipline and self-development.
At the closing ceremony, Oneidge Walrond underscored the significance of the camp in shaping the next generation of leaders.
“The camp was significant because it brought young people from every region of Guyana together to learn, share experiences, and build lasting friendships,” she said, urging participants to recognise that leadership is rooted in “character, courage, kindness, and making responsible choices.”
She also challenged the young attendees to see themselves in future leadership roles.
Among them, she noted, could be “future lawyers, police officers, nurses, firefighters, ministers, and even the future President of Guyana.”
Walrond pointed to the example of Clifton Hicken, who once attended the same youth camp and rose through the ranks to become the country’s top law enforcement officer—an illustration, she said, of what is possible with discipline and focus.
Commissioner Hicken echoed the emphasis on personal development and education.
He noted that the camp had provided participants with “new skills and valuable experiences,” encouraging them to remain committed to their education, improve their communication skills, and embrace the country’s cultural diversity.
The camp was led by Senior Superintendent Nicola Kendall, who served as Camp Mother, supported by Superintendent Leslyn Smith and Assistant Superintendent Michael Kurt.
The closing ceremony featured a range of cultural and creative presentations, including songs, spoken word, a fashion show and arts and crafts displays. Awards were distributed to recognise excellence among campers, including Most Outstanding Camper, Most Improved Camper, Most Disciplined Camper and Best Dormitory.
The annual youth camp has become a fixture in the Force’s outreach calendar, reflecting ongoing efforts to engage communities beyond traditional policing. In a context where youth development is increasingly tied to national security and social stability, initiatives like these are positioned as early interventions—aimed at steering young people toward constructive paths.
The 2026 edition concluded with participants leaving with new friendships, practical skills and a renewed sense of purpose, reinforcing the programme’s goal of preparing young Guyanese to play a meaningful role in the country’s future.
