–amidst calls to ‘stand united’ in face of global challenges

Story and photos by Frederick Halley

GUYANA’s Consul-General to Toronto, Anyin Choo, last Friday called on diasporans to stand united against ever-evolving global challenges.

“In the 21st Century, the challenges that lie ahead are still evolving as we still continue to face threats as a nation, threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity, national security, global warming and climate change, cyber-security and challenges in our own economic development,” Ambassador Choo said, adding: “As a nation, we must stand united in the face of these challenges, and be very cognisant of the fact that as diverse as we are, our strength as a nation lies in our unity.”

“Let us not lose focus on the road that still lies ahead as a nation,” he told guests gathered at the consulate’s offices in Scarborough, Toronto to celebrate Guyana’s 49th Republic Anniversary.

Among those guests were Dean of the Consular Corps of Toronto, Consul-General Ann-Marie Layne, and Sara Singh, Opposition Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).

He also asked those of his countrymen in attendance at the function to use the occasion to reflect upon “the sacrifices and the selflessness of our ancestors who displayed patriotism, resilience and unwavering commitment to severing our final official ties to colonial rule,” and to take responsibility for “defending the Motherland and developing the economy.”

And, seeing that they were all under one roof, he seized the opportunity to commend the Guyanese Diaspora in Canada for maintaining ties with home. “Thank you for your tireless engagement in diverse diaspora groups and organisations, contributing to the further development of our beloved homeland. The Consulate of Guyana in Toronto recognises your efforts and stands ready to support you, and strengthen diaspora engagement,” Ambassador Choo said.

MPP Singh, the first woman of Indo-Caribbean extract to be elected to the Ontario Legislature, spoke briefly of Guyana’s rich heritage, and urged the few Guyanese present to never forget where they came from.
Singh, whose mother is Guyanese, while her father was born in India, is also the first woman of colour to attain the post of deputy leader of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP).

As Antiguan-born, Dean Ann-Marie Layne observed, the Guyana Diaspora in Toronto and across Canada can be justly proud of their tremendous contribution to the socio-economic and cultural landscape of the Caribbean Community. “As one of the founding signatories of the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas,” she said, “Guyana, through its leadership and fortitude, has led the way in coordinating economic policies that have elevated the Caribbean Community internationally…”

President of the Guyana Ex-police Association of Canada (GEPAC) led the audience in the singing of the national anthems of Canada and Guyana, while the proceedings were chaired by Consul Mishelle Butters.