THOUSANDS of people of all ages, race, colour and creed gathered as one big family on Scarborough’s L’Amoreaux Community Centre and grounds in Toronto, Canada on Sunday June 19 to help celebrate Guyana’s 45th Independence Anniversary.

According to Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, among dignitaries in attendance were newly-appointed Guyana High Commissioner to Canada, Mr. Harrynarine Nawbatt; Mrs. Sattie Sawh, who’s acting Consul-General; and Minister of Labour, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, who flew in from Guyana especially for the occasion.

Madhoo, who represented the local tourism firm, Hurakabra River Resort, said the camaraderie was evident as Guyanese mingled and socialized with each other, and even Mother Nature was “very cooperative,” laying on bright sunshine and clear blue skies, which was right up the alley of those who had things to sell.

Food stalls, which were in abundance, offered a wide variety of Guyanese cuisine, from goat curry, to cook-up-rice, pepper pot, dhalpuri, potato balls, black pudding,
pastries, and mauby, and did some brisk business in the bargain.

In the evening, a lime featuring great Caribbean-type music had both the young and not so young showing off all their latest shots as they took to the dance floor with gusto.

The day’s programme featured among other activities a trade show, tourism displays, Art and
Craft, and a cultural show. Also there to talk about what they have to offer were representatives of the fledgling Aracari Resort.

According to Madhoo, many patrons were eager to find out more about Guyana’s tourism product, and as such the pocket-sized guidebook, ‘Guyana Where and What’ was a major hit, finding itself in many a handbag and pocket.

An average of 500 persons, she said, picked up copies of the popular guidebook, which provides information of most of Guyana’s hotels,
resorts, tour operators, transportation guide and shopping centres.

The day’s activities, Madhoo said, also included a 40-overs cricket match between two Canadian teams comprising of players of Guyanese extract hailing from the counties of Demerara and Berbice.