MS. Shannia Persaud – Environmental Scientist
The 20-year-old firstyear student majors in Environmental Science and minors in Political Science. One of her many aspirations includes to find a balance between humanity and nature where neither are harmed. She chose this area of study because she believes she can truly make a difference on this path. Admittedly, it took her a while to figure out her calling. If anyone is currently in this position, she advises you to take your time but do not waste your time. It’s okay to start over, but be wise in your decisions. To anyone who is undecided or lost, she has a question for you. If you could do one thing for free for the rest of your life, what would you do? Your answer to this question will provide a good base in stepping forward.
Shannia wishes to remind the leaders and policy makers of Guyana that leadership is an action, not a position and that their duty is first to the citizens of Guyana. She urges the leaders to lead by example and to remember why they wanted their position from the inception. “The power of one person doing the right thing for the right reason at the right time is the greatest influence in our society”. During her CSEC and CAPE tenure, she was an active member of the environmental science club where she planned and conducted several workshops. She also volunteers in clean up campaigns and tree planting activities which shows her zealousness for the environment. She firmly believes in the potential of Guyana to transition into a green economy. Shannia also serves as a youth ambassador at the Rights of the Child Commission and at Empower Guyana Consultancy, through which she volunteers at the Hauraruni Girls Homea root of inspiration. Being a part of these organizations exposed her to the many disturbing issues Guyana faces. These experiences taught her valuable lessons in leadership, which later sparked her interest in political science. She is also one of the hostesses of the talk show, ‘The Empower Hour’, which is a platform that allows youth to raise awareness to the various issues affecting society and to also generate pragmatic solutions for these issues.
As an advocate for environmental sustainability and equality for every human being, Shannia Persaud believes that true change commences with you, the individual. It all starts with one. For her, Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror’ could not have portrayed it better.
Notably, Shannia has won several essay competitions including the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition and most recently, the Guyana Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission Essay Competition on Single Use Plastics.
Shannia considers Guyana to be one of the most beautiful countries there is. Both the people and landscapes leave indelible marks on her heart. She wishes to see her country thrive in every aspect and break free from the shackles of corruption and prejudice.
For Businesses, Shannia understands that transitioning away from single use plastics may be difficult depending on the business’s budget, wants and needs. She nevertheless recommends finding safe alternatives as paper and cloth bags; and bamboo straws and plates. Her encouragement to all is to practice the 5“Rs” – Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Refuse, and Remind.
She is fascinated by Guyana’s biodiversity. Its forest alone houses over 1200 animal species and over 6400 plant species. Like many others, she believes that some species are waiting to be discovered in Guyana’s virgin forests. When asked for guidance to litterers and polluters, her response was “Would you let a stranger walk into your home and make a mess? Earth is our home. It is the only planet capable of harbouring life, yet we treat it as though it is disposable. We created garbage, not the Earth. It is time humans started taking responsibility for their actions.” She also endorses for stricter laws to be put in place concerning littering and pollution, however it is the government’s duty to also ensure that there is proper waste management in every town, city or village. 14
GREEN GUYANA - ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Apart from her academic life, Shannia likes to bake, paint (she is no professional, she just finds it quite therapeutic), travel and meeting new people. She also has a passion for graphic designing and designing in general, which opens a window for her innovative side. She hopes to one day use her knowledge and skills to help create a greener world. To this end, she advocates, consider the environment in every aspect of your life. Do not compromise the environment and USE YOUR VOICE! Every great revolution started with someone refusing to stay silent and may you never go silent!
