On August 2, 2025, the EMC Foundation had the distinct honour of engaging with internationally acclaimed recording artist, Mr. Maxi Priest, during his visit to St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri), the only Indigenous community found in region 4: Demerara-Mahaica.
The visit followed the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook Community Listening Session at the Village Benab, where the EMC Foundation team supported the community in welcoming Mr. Maxi Priest and showcasing the rich culture of St. Cuthbert’s Mission.
As part of the engagement, EMC Foundation Program Coordinator, Ms. Sarah Singh, warmly welcomed Mr. Maxi Priest and presented the EMC Foundation publications, ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures,’ and ‘Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River,’ along with a handcrafted giant river otter balata figurine. At the time, the artist was exploring Guyana’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, immersing himself in the country’s natural beauty.
During the short programme, Mr. Maxi Priest, a British artist with Jamaican ancestry, expressed his deep appreciation for Guyana’s warm hospitality and captivating scenery, while emphasising the importance of preserving the environment. He also autographed a copy of the EMC Foundation coffee table book, ‘Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves,’ a gesture that was greatly appreciated and will be treasured.
Prior to this engagement, the British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Jane Miller, OBE, and British High Commission Programme Manager, Ms. Kassia De Santos, had presented Mr. Maxi Priest with a copy of the ‘Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves’ coffee table book. The British High Commission is a valued partner of the EMC Foundation, collaborating on impactful initiatives such as The Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves and Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook projects through the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, a component of the United Kingdom Government’s Sustainable Blue Economy Programme.
Engagements like these reflect the EMC Foundation’s mission of raising environmental awareness among Guyana’s youth and wider audiences. They also embody the Foundation’s aim, Experience, Connect, and Act, inspiring people to discover the wonders of the natural environment, form meaningful connections with it, and take action to protect it for future generations.
British High Commissioner, HE Jane Miller, Presenting the Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves Publication to Mr. Maxi Priest
Ms. Sarah Singh Presenting the EMC Foundation Publications to Mr. Maxi Priest
Mr. Maxi Priest Autographing a Copy of the Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves Coffee Table Book
Mr. Maxi Priest Providing Brief Remarks During the Engagement
The Pakuri Cultural Group Performing an Indigenous Dance During the Engagement
The EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded persons, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.