-aims to expand national movement for mindfulness, community service, environmental stewardship

MINDFUL Guyana Inc., a national non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting mindfulness, civic responsibility, environmental stewardship, youth development and community well-being, marked a historic milestone on Saturday with the successful launch of its Berbice Chapter at the Canje Pheasant Hotel.

The event was followed by a symbolic tree-planting exercise at Esplanade Park, New Amsterdam, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, civic responsibility and national unity.

Mindful Guyana Inc was established as a grassroots movement aimed at encouraging citizens to live more consciously, act more compassionately, and engage more meaningfully in the development of their communities.

Through structured programmes, school-based initiatives, environmental campaigns and community outreach, the organisation seeks to nurture a culture of mindfulness and responsible citizenship across Guyana.

The Berbice Chapter was officially launched by His Worship the Mayor of New Amsterdam, Mr. Wainwright McIntosh, who, in a formal proclamation, welcomed Mindful Guyana Inc to the Ancient County and recognised the organisation’s mission to foster a more compassionate, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible Guyana.

In proclaiming the launch of the Berbice Chapter, the mayor declared: “The establishment of the Berbice Chapter of Mindful Guyana Inc represents an important investment in our people, our communities and our future. We commend the organisation for promoting mindfulness, environmental stewardship, volunteerism and civic engagement as essential pillars for national development.”

The ceremony brought together civic leaders, educators, environmental advocates, religious leaders, members of civil society and residents from across Region Six in a celebration of unity and community service.

A defining feature of the programme was the offering of prayers by representatives of different religions, who collectively invoked God’s blessings for the success of the organisation and for peace, harmony, and prosperity throughout Guyana.

Their participation reflected Mindful Guyana’s commitment to inclusiveness, mutual respect, and national unity.

Delivering the feature address, Chairman of Mindful Guyana Inc., Royston King, described the launch as another significant step in building a nationwide movement dedicated to creating stronger communities through mindfulness, compassion, and responsible citizenship.

“The launch of the Berbice Chapter is not simply the opening of another branch,” Mr. King said, adding, “It is the beginning of a movement that encourages every citizen to become more mindful of how we care for ourselves, one another, our communities and our environment. True national development begins with mindful citizens who act with kindness, responsibility and purpose.”

Mr. King emphasised that mindfulness extends beyond personal well-being to include environmental responsibility, volunteerism, civic pride, and service to others.

“Our vision is to establish Mindful Guyana chapters throughout every region of our country so that together we build healthier communities, protect our environment, inspire our young people and strengthen our shared sense of national identity,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the mayor, in his address, applauded the organisation’s vision and challenged residents to embrace the principles of mindfulness in their daily lives.

“Every thriving community is built upon citizens who care—not only about themselves but about their neighbours, their environment and future generations. Mindful Guyana offers an opportunity for all of us to become better stewards of our communities,” His Worship, the Mayor of New Amsterdam, Mr. McIntosh, stated.

As part of the launch activities, attendees proceeded to Esplanade Park in New Amsterdam, where a tree-planting exercise was undertaken as a practical demonstration of the organisation’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience.

The newly planted trees serve as living symbols of growth, sustainability, and hope, while contributing to the beautification of one of New Amsterdam’s most cherished public spaces.

The day’s activities also featured vibrant cultural presentations by local performers, celebrating Guyana’s rich multi-cultural heritage through music, dance, and artistic expression. The performances underscored the values of unity, diversity and social harmony that are central to Mindful Guyana’s mission.

Adding to the significance of the occasion was the launch of the organisation’s first Mindful Guyana Club at Learners’ Academy School. The school-based initiative is designed to cultivate mindfulness, leadership, environmental awareness, emotional intelligence, and civic responsibility among students from an early age.

The establishment of the inaugural school club signals the beginning of a broader national youth programme through which Mindful Guyana intends to establish similar clubs in schools across the country.

King praised Learners’ Academy for becoming the first educational institution to partner with the organisation.

“Our children are the architects of tomorrow’s Guyana. By introducing mindfulness and civic values within our schools, we are nurturing a generation of thoughtful leaders, compassionate citizens and responsible guardians of our environment.”

Mindful Guyana Inc expressed sincere appreciation to the Mayor and Councillors of New Amsterdam, religious leaders, cultural groups, volunteers, educators, community stakeholders, and residents whose support contributed to the success of the event.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its presence throughout Guyana through regional chapters; community outreaches; environmental programmes; youth-development initiatives and partnerships that promote national well-being.

The successful launch of the Berbice Chapter represented another important milestone in Mindful Guyana Inc’s growing mission to inspire mindful living, strengthen communities and encourage every Guyanese to contribute positively to building a healthier, greener, and more united nation.