GUYANA continues to carve a bold path on the global stage in conservation and sustainability. Home to a part of the captivating Amazon, countless waterways, and fascinating wildlife, our country is renowned for its natural beauty. Preserving this rich biodiversity is a responsibility the country has embraced with significant international agreements to safeguard our forests. Alongside these efforts, pioneers in sustainability are emerging to lead new initiatives. One such leader, Recover Guyana, is championing a groundbreaking effort with its latest project, the ENGAGE initiative, which blends entrepreneurship with conservation to inspire the next generation of environmentalists.

What is the ENGAGE Project?
The ENGAGE Project is a green entrepreneurship programme unlike any other. Designed to empower young people across Guyana, it provides the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to establish and maintain environmentally sustainable businesses in areas such as eco-tourism, renewable energy, waste management, organic farming, and more.

Partnering with Scotiabank and Dutch offshore company, Van Oord, the programme aims to train over 150 youth aged 16–35 in green technologies, eco-friendly innovations, and sustainable business practices. Selected participants will also have the opportunity to receive grants of up to 2 million Guyana dollars to support the most promising and viable business ideas. The project will launch in January 2025, starting with training and mentorship programmes in Regions 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne).

At its core, ENGAGE creates a robust learning environment for aspiring environmentalists. It equips participants with the skills, resources, and networks needed to develop and scale successful eco-friendly businesses. Building on Recover Guyana’s dedication to sustainability, the project is set to expand nationwide by 2026, creating a vibrant movement of young, eco-conscious entrepreneurs.

Sponsors and supporters
The ENGAGE Project stands out as more than just a training programme. It is a collaboration with notable supporters committed to fostering environmental responsibility. Speaking at the launch of the event on December 5, Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager of Scotiabank Guyana, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Scotiabank is pleased to collaborate with Recover Guyana on its ENGAGE project, helping to provide opportunities for young people to build their skills while promoting environmental sustainability. We are committed to investing in initiatives that help people rise up, become better off, and change their circumstances so they can have successful futures. The ENGAGE Project not only aligns well with this focus but also helps our young people learn sustainable practices, encouraging greener communities.”

Dutch offshore company, Van Oord, shared similar sentiments, emphasising its commitment to creating a better future: “We are proud to announce our commitment to a social initiative, for which we are partnering with the NGO, Recover Guyana. This NGO is led by Guyanese young professionals. Our goal is to empower nature and communities through creating new opportunities and possibilities for today’s world and for generations to come. Through Recover Guyana, we expect to maximise our positive impact on vulnerable youths by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable employment and positive community engagement. Therefore, this project fits perfectly with our value system, and we cannot wait to see Recover’s work come to life.”

Dr. Davindra Lalltoo: The vision behind ENGAGE
At the heart of this initiative is Dr. Davindra “Dave” Lalltoo, Founder and President of Recover Guyana. Born during an exhilarating boat journey to the Essequibo River on October 3 1991, Dr Lalltoo’s beginnings were as unique as his journey. Raised on Leguan Island, surrounded by rice fields and a close-knit community, he learned the values of perseverance, respect, and collaboration early in life. These principles have shaped his career and passion for empowering others as well as championing environmental causes.

Dr Lalltoo’s academic journey began at Maryville Primary School; he then went on to earn advanced degrees, including a Doctorate in Business Administration. Dr Lalltoo’s pursuit of knowledge has always been aligned with his mission of creating positive change. Professionally, his accomplishments are equally remarkable, leading impactful initiatives such as SHOUT, an environmental speech competition, and now the ENGAGE Project.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Lalltoo shared his vision for the project, stating, “At the heart of the ENGAGE project is the vision of a greener Guyana, a country where the next generation of entrepreneurs leads the way in innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”

Beyond his environmental work, Dr Lalltoo is a Senior Lecturer, brand consultant, and former National Franchise Director for Miss Earth Guyana. He has received accolades, including the Caribbean Global Award for Best Global Community Leader (2024) and a National Youth Award for Environmental Protection. His passion for youth empowerment drives his efforts, as he urged participants of the ENGAGE Project to boldly pick up the mantle, stating, “Youth engagement is not a buzzword for us; it’s a mandate. When we say ‘engage,’ we mean creating a platform where young minds collaborate, innovate, and execute ideas that can reshape their futures.”

Moreover, Dr Lalltoo believes in the transformative power of youth and the role they play in the bigger picture of development. “The transformative potential of our youth is undeniable. When given the right tools, they are capable of designing solutions that not only address local challenges but also contribute to global conversations on sustainability. This is more than a programme; it’s a movement that signifies the collective commitment to nurturing the future leaders of Guyana,” he shared.

A Movement for the future
Recover Guyana’s ENGAGE Project represents a new and innovative approach to sustainability, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. As Dr Lalltoo shared, the mission for Recover Guyana and the ENGAGE Project is to make a difference today for a better tomorrow: “Our mission is clear: invest in the youth today to create a thriving, self-reliant nation tomorrow,” shared Dr Lalltoo.