…Ontario’s premier lauds contributions to province

By Frederick Halley
TWO weeks after its counterparts from the Guyana Ex-Police Association of America (GEPAOA) celebrated their golden jubilee, the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada

(GEPAC) observed its 20th anniversary with a gala dinner and dance last Saturday night at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall, Scarborough, Toronto.
And as evidenced at GEPAO’s celebration when GEPAC lend its unwavering support, the New Yorkers, led by president Leroy Charles,turned up in large numbers in a show of camaraderie to mark the auspicious occasion which also saw Ontario’s Minister of Education, Mitzie Hunter in attendance.

The Jamaican born Hunter, who represented Ontario’s Premier Kathleen Wynne, delivered a personal message from the Liberal leader, offering special congratulations to members of GEPAC on achieving the milestone anniversary,and commending them for “the important role you play in enhancing the life of the community and in highlighting the richness and vibrancy of Guyanese culture.”
According to the premier, “the members of this diverse and dynamic community are an integral part of our multicultural success story and they continue to make Ontario an even better place to live. I am grateful for their many enduring contributions to the social, economic and cultural life of our province.”

Hunter also showered praise on GEPAC and the leadership of its president,John O’Dell,before handing over a commemoration plaque on behalf of Premier Wynne. Alluding to the fact that GEPAC’s sister organization, the GEPAOA, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year as well, O’Dell told the packed audience that his organization is inspired to aspire. “Fifty years is certainly a milestone and I can only say thank you to GEPAOA for their leadership, their tenacity and their drive to excel. I am certain that in another 50 years, you will be at a different plateau in your organisation. We love you, we appreciate all of you and we certainly intend to learn from you.”

According to O’Dell, “as we celebrate 20 years of fellowship, camaraderie and community work, we reflect on our accomplishments and the things we are yet to do. Our goals are simple:To be a sisterhood and brotherhood for each other and to embrace the community at large, thereby making our world a better place.”

The GEPAC president also paid tribute to the work of women in Ontario, singling out Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Mitzie Hunter, whose “work ethic and her devotion to public service can only propel her to greater things. Then we have Luann Jones, who leads Canada’s first black owned funeral home. I have seen the work she does and it is remarkable. Then we continue to uplift our strong women in politics, in that of Mishelle Butters. May your path be guided to success, no matter which way you turn.”

O’Dell reminded the audience that GEPAC had earlier in the week laid to rest one of its founding member and stalwart in that of Roger Mattar,who served as president during the period 2009 – 2011. Mattar joined the then British Guiana Police Force in 1961 and in his various assignments, earned quite a reputation in the Canine unit as a dog-handler.

In paying tribute to the late Mattar, O’Dell declared that “we thank the universe for allowing us to know Roger Mattar;as he will be sorely missed.”
Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada Clarissa Riehl, who was represented by Consul at the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, Mishelle Butters, pointed out that GEPAC’s desired objectives “to improve your community and to preserve Guyana’s culture and heritage are laudable.”

According to the high commissioner, Guyanese come from a rich multicultural, multiracial, multi-religious background and our ability to live harmoniously with each other and celebrate each other religious and other activities is a worthy heritage.”
Congratulatory messages were also received from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Mayor of Toronto,John Tory;Toronto Chief of Police,Mark Saunders;GEPAOA president,Leroy Charles;Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organisations and the Guyana Ex-Soldiers Association of Canada.