Guyanese in Canada kick off celebrations for 50th Republic Golden Jubilee

The 125,000+ strong Guyanese Canadian diaspora kicked off their celebrations for Guyana’s 50th Republic Golden Jubilee with a media launch that was hosted by the 50th Republic Planning Committee at the Consulate General of Guyana in Toronto, Canada on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020.

Lead by a dynamic, and diverse group of Guyanese Canadians, under the auspices of the Consulate General, the program & events slated to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Republic are committed to being inclusive, non-partisan, and geared towards bringing together Guyanese in the diaspora to celebrate the achievements of Guyana as a nation, to mark this important milestone.

50RACMediaLaunch01

In opening remarks made by the Planning Committee’s chairperson Mr. Brandon Cheong, it was indicated that the Guyanese Canadian community looks forward to celebrating under the theme of the Guyanese national motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny. These sentiments were also echoed by the Consul General of Guyana to Toronto, Ms. Anyin Choo, who made a called for Guyanese across the world to foster a sense of unity and togetherness during the observance of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Republic Anniversary.

The Consul General also said that “The Consulate’s focus throughout the planning process was the mobilization of the Guyanese community here in Canada and uniting the community across the ethnic, religion and political spectrums to celebrate and reflect on our achievements as one united country.” She added that the Diaspora community in the General Toronto Area is the second largest Guyanese Diaspora community and that there will be a number of events to mark the Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations, which will reflect the uniqueness and diversity of the Guyanese people.

The Planning Committee and the Consulate took the opportunity to invite members, allies and friends of the Guyanese community in Canada to join in the marking of this auspicious occasion by way of partnerships and supporting the events which are planned for the coming months. These include:

  1. Flag Raising Ceremony and Interfaith Service on February 22, 2020 at the Scarborough Civic Center;
  2. GUYTALK (Guyana-Talk) on Sustainable Development in the Oil and Gas era, which is held in partnership with the University of Toronto on March 28, 2020 at the George Ignatieff Theatre, University of Toronto; and
  3. Golden Jubilee Cocktail Reception, Cultural Evening and Awards Ceremony on March 29, 2020 at the P.C. Ho Theatre.

The Planning Committee also strongly encouraged the public to submit nominees for consideration as recipients of the Republic Golden Jubilee Awards of Recognition.

The Consulate and the Planning Committee extended their appreciation to all those who attended the Media Launch, especially the sponsors without whom these efforts would not have been possible. The Planning Committee expressed their sincere gratitude to e-Magic & SmartWorX, Citrus Personnel Inc., Caribbean Airlines, Victor’s Collection Agency, Pine Point Banquet Hall, Arts Mortgage Camp Inc., Demerara Distillers Limited and their agent here in Canada Woodman Wines & Spirits, the Give Help To Kids Foundation and Westway Medical Clinic for their support and sponsorship of the planned events.

Mission:       

The Steering Committee for Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary Celebrations in Toronto, Canada was formed under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Toronto. The Guyana 50th Republic Awards Committee was developed to recognize achievements of excellence and leadership in the Guyanese diaspora in Canada and to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations who contribute to the development of Guyana and to the continuation of our Guyanese heritage, community and culture in Canada.

Awards:

The categories of awards are as follows;

  Arts and Entertainment Distinction

  Business Excellence and Leadership

  Young Professional Community Catalyst

  Youth Volunteer Achievement Award

  Leadership in Volunteerism and Community Service

  Outstanding Achievement Award – Non-Profit Organization

Each awardee will receive a plaque of distinction detailing their achievement and contribution to the Guyanese diaspora in Canada, in Guyana or worldwide.

Eligibility Requirements:

Anyone of Guyanese origin (first, second or third generation) who fit the established criteria as outlined in each category. Only one winner per household.

All applicants must be Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or a Guyanese citizen.

For additional information about the Award, please contact the Guyana’s 50th Republic Awards committee.

The application and all the pertinent documents must be submitted by February 14, 2020 to: guycanrecognition@gmail.com

All Applications must include the following:

  1. 1. Completed application form, and
  2. 2. Two letters of reference.

Categories and Criteria:

Arts and Entertainment Distinction

This award is presented to artists, musicians and cultural leaders in recognition of artistic excellence, cultural leadership and contribution to the arts.

Criteria:

  Guyanese Diaspora member who has contributed to the cultural aspects of the diaspora community through outstanding achievement in music, dance or the arts.

   Nomination form must detail the person’s contribution.

Business Excellence and Leadership

This award is presented to a business that has demonstrated an outstanding level of leadership in the combined areas of business performance, innovation, product excellence and positive social conscience.

Criteria:

   Guyanese business with branch or representation or branch in Canada.

   Nomination form must detail the company’s contribution.

Young Professional Community Catalyst

This award goes to emerging leaders who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment and devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and serve as a role model. This is the next generation of Guyanese Diaspora business professional who has made a significant impact on the growth and prosperity of the Guyanese community in Canada or in Guyana. The criteria for the award are as follows and candidates from both for and non-profit organizations are eligible.

Criteria:

   The candidate will be between the ages 19-35

   Part of the area business community for a minimum of two years

   If candidate has established an independent business, demonstrates overall growth

   If part of an organization, stands out for outstanding contribution

   Active community contribution

   A positive role model for other young professionals

Youth Volunteer Achievement Award

This award is presented to a young citizen for volunteer efforts (excluding school requirements) who has made a significant contribution to the community.

Criteria:

  Individuals must be 19 years of age or younger and have volunteered within Canada for at least two years.

   Nomination form must detail the individual’s contribution.

Leadership in Volunteerism and Community Service

This award is presented to persons who are making significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents and dedication (outside any volunteer work done for their employer).  This person has shown consistent and sustained commitment and professionalism to community projects and has consistently applied leadership skills over an extended period of time.

Criteria:

  Individuals must have volunteered in their community within Canada or Guyana for at least three years.

   Nomination form must detail the individual’s contribution.

Outstanding Achievement Award –  Non-Profit Organization

This award recognizes excellence and innovation among non-profit organizations resulting in significant social impact and whose achievements are met through the application of creative and practical approaches to benefit the community in general with an emphasis on underserved populations.

Criteria:

  Nomination form must detail the non-profit organization’s contribution.

When will the awards be presented? The awards will be presented at the Guyana 50th Republic Celebration and Cultural event on March 21, 2020.

How do I nominate? Choose a category from the list below, fill out ALL the required information and email it to  guycanrecognition@gmail.com or drop it off at the consulate office by February 14th, 2020

 

Guyana 50th Republic Award Nomination Form

Nominee Nominator
Name:  
Address:  
Telephone #:  
Email Address:  
   

Kindly email us at  guycanrepublic@gmail.com if you require additional information or media content.

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