Chapter Thirty Five: Back to GT

We are safely back in Georgetown after what was honestly one of the highlights of the last year. The trip to Chile with the Trust team for the RedLAC Congress was an incredible experience from start to finish. It was both exciting and humbling to meet so many people who work in conservation, hear about their projects, and understand how different countries approach similar challenges.

Chile itself was beautiful. Between the conference days and the few chances we had to explore, it was amazing to see how much history and character the country holds. From the old buildings in Santiago to the views of the Andes, it really felt like a place where nature and people have found their own rhythm. It also made me think a lot about Guyana and the unique role we play as both part of South America and the Caribbean.

Coming home after that kind of trip takes a bit of adjustment. There are emails to catch up on, meetings to rejoin, and ongoing projects waiting for attention.

Between all the RedLAC events, panels, and side sessions, a lot was going on at once. Managing content meant being strategic about what we shared online and how we captured the atmosphere. There were so many things happening at the same time that we really had to be focused on what moments we wanted to highlight.

We had photographers working across different venues, each with their own style and approach, and that was its own different thing. Some were capturing wide shots of the sessions and panels, while others focused more on the people and interactions. We had to make sure we were getting the shots but also my motive and theirs was different.

On my end, I was handling much of the photography, while others helped with writing and capturing what was happening on the ground. It was very much a team effort. Everyone had different roles, and even though we were spread out, it came together well. The energy of the event helped keep things moving. We worked quickly, editing and uploading content almost in real time so that people who couldn’t be there could still follow along.

One of the best parts was seeing the results afterward. Several organizations started using the photos we had taken and shared them on their own pages, which was a nice sign that the coverage resonated beyond just our own channels. It is always rewarding to see the work continue to have an impact after the event is over.

A special mention has to go to the CNN Chile team. After Ms. Melanie, our Chairperson, spoke during her panel, they reached out and asked her to do an interview. It was an unexpected but very cool moment to witness behind the scenes. We got to see how their team operates, how they film, and how they bring conservation topics to a national audience. It was impressive to see the professionalism and curiosity they brought to every conversation.

On a more personal note, there was one small letdown when CNN Chile later posted on Instagram a video about my panel and forgot to include me, which had fivespeakers and four of them were in the video. It was a bit disappointing, especially since a few people had said they really enjoyed the session. The recording is available online for anyone who wants to watch it.

Now that we’re back, it feels good to reconnect with the rest of the team here in Georgetown. Everyone had been travelling for different reasons, so hearing about their own trips and experiences has been a nice way to ease back in. It’s always interesting to see how different everyone’s journeys have been, but also how much of what we learn abroad can connect back to the work we’re doing here at home.

From the RedLAC trip, one of the big takeaways for me was the sense of collaboration that exists between conservation trust funds, both large and small. Some organizations are working at a national scale, while others are just beginning, but everyone faces similar challenges. Whether it’s funding, communication, or balancing community and conservation goals, there’s a shared understanding across the region. That sense of community is what made the week so special.

As we move forward, there’s plenty to focus on. The communications workload doesn’t stop, and now it’s about applying what we learned to ongoing projects. The Shell Beach campaign is wrapping up soon, and we’re making sure it gets the attention it deserves. There’s also follow-up work from RedLAC, both in terms of sharing materials and keeping in touch with some of the people and organizations we connected with.

The Good

It’s been great to catch up with colleagues and hear about their own adventures from the last few weeks.

The Challenge

The challenge has been shifting gears back into everyday work. After being surrounded by so much activity and energy, returning to emails and project timelines can feel slow.

What’s Next

My family and girlfriend will be visiting for Diwali at the end of next week. It will be the first time we get to celebrate together here, and I’m excited to share that experience with them.