Toronto’s Guyanese community gathered at St. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough to celebrate Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary with a gala organized under the auspices of the Consulate General of Guyana. The event, featuring stirring speeches and captivating performances, showcased Guyana’s progress and rich cultural heritage.

High Commissioner Keith L. George opened the gala, thanking organizers Mr. Malcolm Cho-Kee and Ms.
Norma Kim Sue-Kam-Ling for their dedication and patriotism. He highlighted Guyana’s remarkable
economic growth, with the GDP increasing by 62.3% in 2022, 33% in 2023, and projected to grow by
33.9% in 2024. George attributed this growth to the hard work of the Guyanese people and the
diversification of the economy beyond hydrocarbons. “The economy of Guyana continues to be
diversified and therefore resilient”, George remarked.

He emphasized Guyana’s environmental stewardship, noting that the country’s forests, equivalent in
size to England and Scotland combined, play a crucial role in reducing global greenhouse gases by
storing 19.5 gigatons of carbon dioxide. George announced that Guyana has earned hundreds of millions of dollars through the sale of carbon credits, funds used to support climate change adaptation and resilience projects.

“Guyana’s credentials regarding protecting its forest, the environment, and mitigating climate change are beyond reproach,” he stated. He also highlighted the deepening relationship between Guyana and Canada, marked by 58 years of diplomatic relations. He acknowledged Canada’s steadfast support for Guyana, particularly in defending its territorial integrity against Venezuela’s claims to Essequibo.

“Canada has stood with Guyana in defense of its territorial integrity and supports the rules-based international order”,George noted,expressing gratitude for the solidarity and cooperation between the two nations.

Following the High Commissioner’s, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, delivered
a compelling speech. Edghill, honored to participate in the gala, brought greetings from President
Mohamed Irfaan Ali whose parents were in attendance, and other Guyanese leaders. He emphasized
the importance of reflection during such anniversaries, acknowledging the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Guyana’s journey to independence.

Edghill celebrated Guyana’s cultural and religious harmony, sharing anecdotes that illustrated the
country’s ability to live peacefully despite differences.

“Peace and development are inseparable twins”, he said, urging the diaspora to foster this harmony. He highlighted significant economic contributions from sectors like information communication technology and eco-tourism, noting that Guyana has earned 1 billion U.S. dollars from carbon credits. “We are recognized, celebrated, and accepted globally,” Edghill affirmed.

In his call to action, Edghill encouraged Guyanese-Canadians to invest in their homeland, share their expertise, and support Guyana’s development. “Come back home and work with us”, he urged,
emphasizing knowledge transfer and engagement. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, such as major highways and the transformative gas-to-energy program, which promise to improve living standards in Guyana.

The gala was enlivened by cultural performances showcasing Guyana’s heritage. A steelpan group from Guyana, Kunjaz Steel Ensemble made their debut in Toronto, captivated the audience with rhythmic and melodic tunes. Their performance brought a sense of the spirit of the Caribbean to Canada.

Additionally, three dancers from Guyana mesmerized the crowd with their traditional and contemporary routines. Their performances embodied the grace and dynamism of Guyanese culture while bridging the cultural distance between the homeland and the diaspora.

Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary celebration was a joyous occasion, honoring the
country’s past achievements and looking forward to future growth and unity.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees while reinforcing the strong ties within the Guyanese diaspora in Canada and the enduring partnership between Guyana and Canada.