Guyana: The Land of Transformation and Rebirth

I was born to a nation that has immense abundance. You can see it in our endless streams of water, our rich, vibrant, thick greenery wrapping around our ten regions, and our crisp savannas—not to mention the seven ethnic groups that I call family. Our history is so rich and runs very deep (like our oil); it intrigues you and beckons you to unravel its mysteries.

My country is unique. I know everyone says this about their home, and they are right—everyone has a story to tell. But I believe, no, I know that it’s time for me to start telling my country’s story, from my own perspective. I am reconnecting to a part of me that has been untouched for a decade and counting. It’s time to start honouring home, and these new, upcoming articles will be a collection of this journey.

"One people, one nation, one destiny" isn’t our motto just for show. We are a nation of trailblazers, and it’s time to step into this destiny firmly.

I finally went back to Guyana in August 2024, right after Spicemas, and it had been seventeen years since I last set foot on my soil. To be honest, I didn’t even expect this; it wasn’t on my bingo card for that year, but the universe truly is so ancient in its teachings. I had to renew my passport, hence why I had to take this trip—I didn’t have a choice in the matter, I was forced to go back. At that time, I was concerned with not having money for this two-week trip, and despite this fact, I still went, and everything worked out perfectly, better than I could’ve imagined.

I stay grateful for that trip because I truly shifted in the most beautiful ways, especially regarding my relationship with my mum.

Upon landing in Guyana after a long day of traveling, I actually felt like I was in a dream. My soul felt so excited to delve back into a life that I had once loved all those years ago. I was also very excited to see my mum again because I hadn’t seen her since I moved to Grenada back in 2020, so I was having a very wholesome feeling once I got off the plane.

This trip was only two weeks, and within that timeframe, I met my great-uncle, a small amount of my cousins, aunties, new friends, and neighbours that knew me as a child—when I wore mini-skirts, tank tops with a bandana, and my sister's or mothers shoes which were way too big for my baby feet. To them, I was ‘Pepper Ninqi,’ the baby in our family's community. The middle child.

During this trip, I was particularly drawn to dragonflies. Guyana has so many just circling the skies, and seeing them was not a coincidence. These flies symbolize a variety of meanings across cultures, including transformation, adaptability, and change, due to their life cycle from aquatic nymph to flying adult. They also represent joy, good luck, and prosperity.

The reason I’m bringing up dragonflies is because, during this period back home, I was undergoing some big shifts and changes. The concept of death and rebirth is something I am very familiar with, so seeing them was incredibly comforting. As I am writing this, it’s quite interesting how dragonflies were firstly water creatures until they grew and took to the sky. Guyana is the land of many waters, which makes so much sense why I spotted so many flying around.

There are so many things that I love about my home; however, what I love more than the food (and I am obsessed with our food!) is our accent. If you haven’t heard a Guyanese person speaking, you’re missing out. We are so raw when it comes to our expression—that’s honestly where I get my no-fucks-given attitude. We are loud and boisterous, silly and playful, but will cuss you out very stink and dutty—don’t play! Guyanese people are some of the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. I will stand on this heavily.

Being apart from my mum for five years allowed me to reconnect with her again and step back into my childlike state, just letting my parent guide me. I mean, I don’t know Guyana, so she absolutely had to be there, or I would’ve gotten lost so quick! It was fun being able to go on missions with her; our bush cook day with Philip was the highlight of this trip (more on this coming soon!).

Conclusion

My trip back home was a very wholesome one, yet so bittersweet because it was for such a short period, considering being away for nearly two decades. I wanted to explore more; my home is vast—it’s not a small feat, it’s for the real adventuresses, and I love a good adventure. I can’t wait to deepen my connection to my land and, therefore, deepen my connection with myself. I have so much history and culture to learn about, and of course, I’ll be sharing it with this community. Mark my words: Guyana will capture your hearts, just like it has captured and been in my family’s heart for generations.

Postcards

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