Dear Editor,
In 2010, after retiring from the U.S. military, I made a significant life change by moving to Guyana to work as a volunteer. My goal was to help children and give back to society, and I have spent over a decade here, learning, adapting, and growing in ways I never anticipated. My first few years in Guyana were quite challenging, the society and culture being vastly different from what I was accustomed to in America. It took time, but I quickly realized the importance of adapting to my new environment so that I wouldn’t become discouraged.
Living in Guyana has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to various regions — Lethem, Brazil, Suriname, Berbice, Bartica, Santa Rosa, Port Kaituma, and many others. Each journey offered unique experiences and deepened my appreciation for this beautiful country. I also learned to make friends easily and enjoy the simple pleasures of life — talking, relaxing, and sometimes just doing nothing. This wasn’t easy for me at first, coming from an American background where busyness is often the norm. But I’ve come to value the slower pace of life here.
Initially, I used to feel unsafe in Guyana, but with time, that feeling has faded. Now, after more than a decade, I can truly say that I have become institutionalized. The things that used to bother me no longer do. Whenever I find myself feeling frustrated or wanting to complain, I simply remind myself, “This is Guyana,” and my concerns seem to dissipate. For anyone considering a move to Guyana, my advice is simple: whenever you encounter something that might bother you, remember that this is Guyana. Embrace the differences, and you will find yourself at peace with your surroundings.
Sincerely,
Anthony Pantlitz