I AM about to return to Guyana after spending a couple weeks with professional colleagues, family and friends in Toronto and Ottawa. I used to work and live in Toronto in the 1970’s when immigrants from around the world, including Guyana, were not as widely and numerically present as they obviously are these days.

The relatively high representation of immigrants and their offspring in all spheres of their Canadian life, especially in professional, community and cultural activities was a special joy to behold.
This contrasted remarkably with my recollection of the 1970’s. For example, at an intersection close to my family home in Markham, a part of the Greater Toronto area, there are 15 colourful, obviously costly pictorial placards of the candidates vying for election. Judging by their photos and names 4 are women and 12 are apparently descendants of immigrants. Also interesting was the fact that the placards are planted on the ground at all busy intersections for weeks without any noticeable attempt to vandalise or remove them by any of the 15 contestants or their respective supporters. In my view, this is uniquely refreshing and speaks volumes for the high level of sophistication and good sense of mutual respect for civic responsibility.
It was also quite uplifting to note the absence of mud-slinging in the campaigns among the candidates. The positive, non-accusatory electioneering for municipal/local government representation and the relatively high participation rates among immigrants and their Canadian-born children and grand-children are worthy of note by their families and friends ‘back home’.
Of note also, were the apparent absence of rancor and the presence of civility during the televised mayoral debates.
Having regard to the possibility of imminent elections in Guyana, one hopes that the level of sophistication and civility witnessed in Toronto can be emulated in spirit and action among our compatriots.
NOWRANG PERSAUD