Rooted in heritage, driven by service: The journey of EMT Yaneira Kenswil

As Guyana celebrates Amerindian Heritage Month, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recognises the dedication, achievements, and aspirations of Indigenous men and women as they continue to make meaningful contributions to the nation.
Among them is 29-year-old emergency medical technician (EMT) Yaneira Kenswil, whose journey from the small Indigenous village of Waramadong in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) spans nine years of service in fire and emergency services.
Now in her third year of medical school, she shares a story of determination, resilience, and an enduring commitment to helping others. “Representing my Indigenous heritage as an emergency medical technician means carrying the values, strength, resilience, and sense of community that I was raised with into my work every day.”
She considers it an honour to serve others while demonstrating the meaningful contributions Amerindians continue to make in healthcare, emergency services, and national development.
Her desire to become an EMT was rooted in a simple but powerful calling: to help others.
Years of responding to emergencies and caring for patients have strengthened Kenswil’s passion for healthcare. Her experiences as an EMT ultimately inspired her to take another significant step in her professional journey by pursuing a medical degree.
Today, she is a third-year medical student, balancing the knowledge gained in the classroom with almost a decade of practical experience in emergency care. She believes that her years as an EMT have given her an understanding of patient care that extends beyond textbooks.
In emergencies, when patients and their loved ones may be overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, she understands that the role of an EMT extends beyond providing medical assistance. It also requires compassion, reassurance, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
“Helping others is not just a profession; it is a responsibility to humanity,” she said. “Whenever I respond to an emergency, I try to treat every person with respect, compassion, dignity, and kindness, regardless of their background.”
Her Indigenous upbringing has played an important role in shaping her approach to service. The values of caring for others, respecting people, working together, and looking out for members of the community are principles she carries with her whenever she responds to an emergency.
When asked about what drives her despite the long and demanding hours of her job, she posits that she draws upon the resilience and perseverance instilled in her through her upbringing.
She believes challenges are a part of life but should never determine how far someone can go.
The strength she has witnessed within her community has taught her to persevere, remain humble, support others, and, importantly, never forget where she came from.
Her journey is also a reminder to young Amerindians across Guyana that their heritage should be a source of strength as they pursue their ambitions.
“Believe in yourself, be proud of who you are, and never allow your background to make you feel that your dreams are beyond your reach,” she encouraged.
She reminds young people that while education and hard work can open doors, character, dedication, and a willingness to serve others are equally important in building a meaningful life and career.
“You can honour your heritage not only by remembering where you come from but also by using your talents to build a better future for your family, your community, and Guyana.”
As Amerindian Heritage Month is observed, her story reflects the strength, resilience, and service that continue to characterise Guyana’s Indigenous peoples.
Through every emergency call, every patient assisted, and every life touched, she proudly carries her heritage with her, demonstrating that service to humanity can also be a powerful expression of culture, identity, and national pride. (Guyana Fire Service)