Reflection on my C.O.R.E Project in Guyana

Making a difference through the stories we tell  

Written by Suneel Mistry 

Coming to Guyana was a significant decision for me. Volunteering has always been part of my life in different capacities, beginning in high school and university and continuing into my professional career. Alongside my main focus, I have consistently found value in supporting different types of organizations. Contributing meaningfully to people and communities has always been a priority in the choices I make about my roles, the work I do, and the places I want to be involved.

Six months ago, I chose to join the Cuso International Volunteer Program under the Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment initiative. This decision marked a major shift from what had been a stable career in the corporate finance sector in Canada. It was not that I felt unfulfilled in that work, but rather that I wanted to challenge myself in new ways. I wanted to set myself up for growth and to remind myself that a career path does not always need to be incremental or linear. This opportunity allowed me to question my own expectations and step outside of the comfortable patterns I had established.

Since arriving in Guyana, I have experienced many challenges. There have been moments of difficulty, of learning, and of adapting to circumstances that were completely new to me. At the same time, I truly believe this experience has made me stronger both as a professional and as a person.

Working with the Protected Areas Trust has been an incredible opportunity. It has given me the chance to collaborate with conservation organizations, nonprofit partners, and government agencies. This diversity of stakeholders has challenged me to learn new systems and structures while also appreciating the unique ways that different organizations operate. I have not come here to impose solutions. Instead, my focus has been on building capacity, listening, and supporting in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. This requires humility, patience, and a genuine commitment to understanding local contexts.

One of the most exciting aspects of working with a conservation organization has been the chance to visit areas of Guyana that many people never get to see. From the Kanuku Mountains to Shell Beach, I have met Indigenous leaders, park rangers, and community members who are closely connected to the land and ecosystems. These experiences have allowed me to see Guyana’s biodiversity and conservation efforts in a way that goes beyond tourism. Living and working here has provided a deeper perspective on what it means to support conservation in a country that is developing and changing rapidly.

Living in Guyana has also provided me with incredible cultural experiences. The country is a vibrant mix of Caribbean, Indian, Asian, and Indigenous influences, and the diversity is something I deeply value, having grown up in Toronto. Through my work I have had opportunities to attend community events, meet people from different backgrounds, and feel welcomed into new spaces. These moments of cultural exchange have been as important to my journey as the professional experiences.

There are barriers that come with being an international volunteer. While we may all speak English, there are still differences in culture, dialect, and lived experience. These differences shape how people see me and how I need to approach my work. My intent has always been to show that I am here to support and not to overtake. Listening first has been central to my approach, and it has made the work both more impactful and more rewarding.

This journey was not something I had planned. Volunteering abroad was never part of a long-term career strategy. But when the opportunity arose, it felt right. Accepting the challenge has led me to grow in ways I could not have anticipated. It has allowed me to contribute to important work, to learn from colleagues and communities, and to be part of efforts that will support conservation and sustainability in Guyana and beyond.