THE Guyana-Canada Diaspora & Community Council has been launched as a national platform to strengthen cultural, educational, generational, and people-to-people ties between Guyana and Canada.
According to a release from the recently-formed body, “the council unites leaders, professionals, youth, and community advocates across Canada to celebrate Guyana’s culture and heritage, foster youth engagement, and provide opportunities for diaspora expertise to contribute to the country’s growth. Reflecting the diversity of the diaspora across generations, it also supports youth leadership, mentorship, and professional development.”
Described as a non-partisan national organisation, the council will collaborate with the Consulate of Guyana in Toronto, other Diplomatic missions from the Caribbean region and community partners to advance initiatives in culture, education, tourism, and diaspora engagement. “Through community programmes, partnerships, and national outreach, it will support major Guyanese commemorations in Canada, while inviting broader Canadian and community participation.”
With Guyana’s global profile rising and rapid national growth, the council aims to keep the diaspora, including first-generation settlers and their children and grandchildren, actively connected to Guyana’s heritage, opportunities, and national story. “By fostering generational engagement and sharing professional expertise, the council strengthens the bridge between Guyana and Canada while empowering the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to development both in Guyana and Canada.”
The release pointed out that “the following perspectives reflect the collective vision of the Council’s Officers and Executives, whose leadership represents a broad cross-section of the Guyanese Canadian diaspora, stakeholders, and professionals across generations, and guides the organisation’s national mission of strengthening cultural, generational, and people-to-people ties between Guyana and Canada while encouraging the sharing of diaspora skills and expertise.”
Co-chair of the group, Omar Farouk, pointed out that “the Guyana–Canada Diaspora & Community Council represents a new chapter in how the diaspora collaborates, connects, and contributes to Guyana’s evolving global story. This council provides a national platform to unite leaders, organisations, and communities, celebrate our heritage, engage the next generation, and strengthen enduring ties between Guyana and Canada.”
Shawn Allen, who is also a C-chair disclosed that “as Guyana experiences historic growth, the diaspora has an important role to play. This council seeks to harness the knowledge, talent, and expertise of Canadians while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement by younger generations, including the children and grandchildren of those who first built Guyanese communities in Canada”
Secretary Gillian Williams highlighted that “a key priority is building inclusive spaces where diaspora members across Canada, from long-standing leaders to emerging professionals, can share ideas, celebrate Guyana’s culture, and support initiatives that strengthen connections between our communities in Canada and our homeland.”
And according to Senior Strategic Advisor, Roy Doobay, “this Council was created to be truly national and engage the broader Canadian community, from first-generation settlers to their children and grandchildren. By linking diaspora expertise with opportunities in Guyana, we aim to help the country leverage its global community for nation-building, cultural exchange, and shared growth, ensuring every generation has a meaningful role in Guyana’s future.”
Through partnerships, collaboration, and outreach, the Council is aiming to build a vibrant, enduring bridge between Guyana and Canada while celebrating the culture, heritage, and achievements of the Guyanese people. Further announcements regarding leadership, programmes, and national initiatives will be made in the coming months. (Frederick Halley)
