Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Denver Cayetano
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Denver Cayetano
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Denver Thomas Cayetano, a 26-year-old Belizean with an affinity for forests, beer, and jokes some may describe as corny. My parents, James Cayetano Sr. and Joycelyn Lewis hail from the south of Belize but raised my two younger siblings and I in Belmopan City. I completed my early education at Our Lady of Guadalupe R.C. Primary and High Schools, and then enrolled at the University of Belize where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management. During my undergrad I found my passion for the forest sciences and made a little bit of a name for myself for active involvement in various conservation initiatives including leadership in the International Forestry Students’ Association and the Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation. After graduating, I worked for a couple of years mainly at the University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (UB ERI) as a Forest Biologist before moving to the land of currywurst and beer, Germany, where I am pursuing a Master’s degree.
2. You are currently enrolled at the Georg-August University of Göttingen, Germany pursuing a Master’s Degree in Forest Science and Forest Ecology. What do you believe is important in this your role?
My academic achievements are a result of the investment of time and effort of many people so it’s only right that I put in the additional effort to be able to make good on those investments through contributions to the development of Belize. I am in Germany to advance my skills set to more effectively make these contributions through research and youth capacity building. At the very least, my role here is to serve as proof of reaching beyond the limits of what is offered in Belize.
3. Tell us more about your academic life at this University? How did you receive the scholarship? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?
I am studying for a Master of Science in Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology with a specialization in Tropical and International Forestry. This program was first recommended by a colleague who did partial studies at the same University. I was especially attracted to the holistic structure of the program through its integration of policy, economics, and ecology based courses. Of course, it helped that it was based in Germany, the home of sustainable forestry and fully funded through scholarship offers by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The University of Göttingen is an internationally renowned university and one of the largest in Germany. It is associated with many nobel prize winners, the most notable to me being Alexander Von Humboldt, known for laying the foundation in the field of Biogeography. I finally applied in 2019 after 4+ years of working experience and realizing the need for continued studies to bolster my capacity as a researcher.
I moved to Germany in August 2019 for a 2-month preparatory German language course and began my study program in October. My study program is made up of a very international bunch who come from different backgrounds contributing to the learning experience and making this journey a lot more interesting. I am just near the end of my first semester so while my relationship with my classmates is great, it hasn’t gone much beyond the classroom setting. Through the language course I was able to meet and become friends with some wonderful people from all over the world, some of whom I still hang out with.
4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to Europe?
I laugh at this question because those who know me and really, much of the social media community, have heard plenty about my challenges with the weather. Luckily, I moved in the summer which allowed a gradual introduction to the wonders of winter. The complaints have lessened significantly, in fact, the other day I described 10-degree weather as “really nice”. The language and culture were also a bit of a worry but with the preparatory German language course and a very international city and university, those worries went away rather quickly. I was also very cognizant of the fact that I was moving my life from the place I ran around in diapers to somewhere I had not even visited before and that this would most definitely come with a period of adaptation. After the first couple of months, I was properly settled.
5. What are the challenges you face as a student at university? Opportunities?
Honestly, there is not much in terms of challenges except the never-ending struggle to maintain focus. The opportunities, however, are many: I am learning a new language. I am surrounded by well-established researchers in my field of interest and have the opportunity to fill the skills gap I’ve struggled with in Belize. I have a much wider network, which opens doors to further opportunities that will last beyond my return home. I have the opportunity to live and travel (for cheap as a student) in the beautiful country that is Germany and other countries in Europe. So if you hear me complaining, don’t worry, I’ll get over it.
6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development?
An important part of the Belizean identity is the natural richness of our country in both marine and terrestrial territories, and many Belizeans depend directly on these resources for their livelihood. Forests, especially the wonderfully diverse tropical forests like we have in Belize are under threat globally from deforestation and forest degradation. Regionally, Belize boasts the highest forest cover in Central America at almost 60% but like the global trend, a growing population requiring more resources puts this at risk. Balancing conservation and development is a challenge especially considering the limited scientific capacity in Belize necessary to guide sustainable development by informing decision-making. My major takes the advanced expertise of German forestry and applies it to the sustainable management of forest in developing countries with emphasis of scientific rigour recognizing the unique challenges we face with dynamic tropical forests and its socioeconomic significance. It’s not about strict conservation but about minimizing the losses and maximizing the benefits from both development and our natural capital. Many countries have been reactive in response to this threat but Belize, as a young country has an opportunity to be proactive.
7. Apart from your studies, do you participate in activities with other Belizeans there? How do you uphold Belize’s namesake? What is your perspective on discrimination in Belize (across the board)?
Unfortunately, one can’t expect to encounter the lovely aroma of rice and beans with stewed chicken and fried plantains whilst walking down these German streets or at least not in the way you would in Belize. The only two Belizeans I know living in Germany live in a city about 4 hours away and we have yet to meet up. Belizeans in Germany are scarce which is a shame considering the opportunities available for education. Even so, you can rest assured knowing that much more people know about Belize through introductions at social gatherings, my need to relate my lessons to the Belizean context or even my “Belize, Central America” hat. My only worry is the cost of treating all of them to the Belikin I promised once they visit.
In response to the question about discrimination, I think Belize is truly the melting pot it has been described to be but I do not disagree that discrimination exists and is definitely more blatant today. It is important to recognize where the beauty of Belize and being Belizean comes from and this is the diversity not only in nature but among our people. When I’m asked about Belize, which is often, I have no problem bragging about our Caribbean/Latin American culture, the Mestizo in the north, the resilience of the Mayas, the Spanish Lookout Mennonites or the vibrancy of the Garifuna people. This is the Belizean culture and it makes absolutely no sense to push against that. To those perpetrators of discrimination, ‘unu’ hold it down.
8. In one of my recent articles, I stated: ‘It is important to realize that the majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ What’s your perspective on this?
Having worked with students and youth in Belize, I agree that there is a whole lot of wasted potential but if our educational institutions are mediocre, and the administrators, lecturers/teachers are mediocre then how can we expect much more from our young people? You don’t blame the product for being defective, you look at the factory. This just highlights the need for more trained professionals and mentors.
9. Tell us more about the Scholarship Program? Why should Belizeans apply? In your perspective, What made you stand out to win this award? What can Belize expect from Denver Cayetano in let’s say, the next 5 years?
The scholarship provider is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), “the world’s largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers” funding many programs in English across institutions of higher education in Germany. As much as we love Belize, anyone can recognize that opportunities for higher education are very limited especially for those interested in STEM research. The DAAD provides many options for exactly this with access to renowned universities and solid support through a monthly stipend, a research/study allowance, insurance, and networking opportunities. I especially appreciate having direct contact with a DAAD representative and that the DAAD, as much as they encourage returning to our home countries, encourages the continuation of studies beyond their funding scheme. I am willing to provide advice to anyone interested in applying: denver_cay@hotmail.com.
I think I won this award because of my experience and drive to want to do more. After finding my passion as an undergrad, I volunteered often in areas that I knew would help to build the skills necessary to pursue a career in this field. Volunteering broadened my network and opened doors to more formal training opportunities that I would not have otherwise had access to. I recognized my passion and found my own way to develop the skills to pursue that passion in lieu of formal educational opportunities. The DAAD, like any other funding organization, wants to see that their investment is worthwhile.
In the next 5 years, I will have completed my MSc and returned back home to work in Belize taking advantage of the additional skills and networks I gain over my 2 years here in Germany perhaps while keeping my eye open for Ph.D. opportunities.
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
What I need to remind myself daily: Prioritize, Self-Discipline, (Focus)2
Additionally, it’s important to identify weakness and embrace your strengths. As much as we may and should try, the 4.0 GPA and Cum Laude titles are not for all of us. ‘Try work pan deh weaknesses but if writing or drawing or construction or whateva da yuh thing den put een di work and deal wid dat.’
