The High Commission for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Canada

On Monday, 16 September 2024, His Excellency Keith George, High Commissioner for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to Canada, attended a Garden Party for Heads of Missions in Canada, hosted by The Honourable Greg Fergus, P.C., M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada.

The Garden Party was held at the Residence of the Speaker of the House.

On Thursday, 19 September 2024, His Excellency Keith George, High Commissioner for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to Canada, attended a Reception for Resident Heads of Mission of the Americas which was held at the Headquarters of Global Affairs Canada (Canada's Foreign Ministry).

The Reception was hosted by Mr. Glen Linder, Assistant Deputy Minister (ag) for the Americas, Global Affairs Canada.

High Commissioner Keith George and Staff of the Guyana High Commission wish to thank all those who visited the Chancery of the High Commission in Ottawa to sign the Book of Condolences which was opened in honour of the late Sir Shridath Ramphal. A special thank you is also extended to those who emailed their heartfelt messages (including through Diplomatic Notes) to be entered into the Book of Condolences.

The Book of Condolences is now closed and will be sent to the family of the late Sir Shridath Ramphal.

May the soul of the late Sir Shridath Ramphal rest in peace! 🕊️

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

On this sacred occasion of Youman Nabi, I extend warm and heartfelt greetings to the entire Guyanese nation. In particular, I wish to offer special greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are today commemorating the birth and life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Youman Nabi is of special significance to Muslims around the world. It marks the birth of the man whose life, teachings, and example have defined the Islamic faith. It is a time for reflection on the profound legacy of the Holy Prophet, who is revered not only as the final Messenger of Allah but also as a model for humanity. His exemplary character, unshakeable faith, and steadfast dedication to justice and compassion continue to inspire Muslims everywhere, almost 1,400 years after his passing.

While Islam acknowledges the prophets who came before-prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham and Moses-it is Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who is regarded by Muslims as the final prophet. Islam professes that it was the Holy Prophet who brought the last and most complete revelation from God, giving definitive shape to Islam and leaving behind a comprehensive guide for righteous living. Through his life and actions, Prophet Muhammad showed how to build a just and compassionate society, encouraging believers to live in harmony, peace, and mutual respect.

As we observe the life of the Holy Prophet today, I urge all believers to reflect on the supreme example he set, the moral values he cherished, and the sound guidance he left behind. The Prophet was a person of justice, charity, humility, and patience. His life serves as a reminder that we should strive to embody these values in our daily lives, seeking to walk in his footsteps by promoting peace, unity, and understanding among all people.

In Guyana, a nation that is home to many faiths, the freedom to worship and to practice one's faith is enshrined in our Constitution and is one of the pillars of our democracy. We must continue to safeguard this freedom by ensuring that every citizen-regardless of religious orientation-has the right to practice their faith freely and without fear of discrimination or prejudice. It is in this spirit of tolerance and respect that we can build a more harmonious and unified nation.

The Holy Prophet himself championed religious freedom and freedom of conscience. The Holy Quran urges that: "There shall be no compulsion in religion." This simple yet profound message underscores the importance of respecting the beliefs of others and recognising that faith is a deeply personal matter that cannot be forced upon others.

As we reflect on the life of the Holy Prophet, let us also remember that he consistently called for peace, unity, and the protection of those who are vulnerable. He urged his followers to show kindness to their neighbors, to care for the poor, and to be fair and just in their dealings with others. These values resonate deeply with the principles that we hold dear as a nation. They provide a strong foundation for building a more cohesive society.

Today, I call on all our Muslim Brothers and Sisters to not only honor the Holy Prophet by observing his birth but also by embodying the values he espoused. Let us commit to living lives of compassion, integrity, and mutual respect. Let us work together to ensure that our country remains a place where religious diversity is cherished, where differences are respected, and where every individual has the freedom to follow his or her conscience.

As we mark Youman Nabi, I extend my warmest wishes to all Guyanese. May this occasion bring peace, joy, and blessings to all of you, and may the example of the Holy Prophet continue to guide us in our journey toward building a more just and united Guyana.

High Commissioner Keith George extends best wishes to Shondell and Robert as they participate in the Fellowship Program at the Office of the Auditor General of Manitoba.

We’re excited to host Shondell and Robert from the Audit Office of Guyana. They are taking part in the Canadian Audit & Accountability Foundation’s International Fellowship Program. They will be with us for next 3 months developing new skills, knowledge, and expertise in performance auditing. Welcome to Friendly Manitoba!

🎉 SOLD OUT! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that tickets for our highly anticipated Annual Gala Fundraising Event 2024 have officially SOLD OUT! 🎟️✨

In collaboration with ExxonMobil and under the auspices of Guyana’s Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Keith George, this year's Gala is set to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and investment in Guyana's bright future!

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors and supporters. Your unwavering commitment and contributions are making a real difference! 🙌

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to this exciting event. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

ANNOUNCEMENT: The High Commission wishes to advise that the National Funeral of Honour of the late Sir Shridath Ramphal, OE, OCC, GCMG, AM, will now take place at 14:30 hours instead of the previously announced time of 15:00 hours, on Saturday, 14 September 2024.

The National Funeral of Honour will be livestreamed on the links below:

https://www.facebook.com/presidentirfaanaligy

https://www.facebook.com/dpiguyana

https://www.facebook.com/opguyana

https://www.youtube.com/dpiguyana

INVITATION: The Executives and Members of the Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association (GOCA) cordially invite you to participate in their upcoming fundraising event - "GOCA Next Generation Youth Skate" on Sunday, 29 September 2024.

Staff of the High Commission will be in attendance.

Please see Event Flyer for more details.

GOCA Next Generation Youth Skate!
In an effort to expand our membership to the next generation of the diaspora, GOCA will be hosting an afternoon of Roller-skating. Proceeds will go towards the GOCA Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student of Guyanese ancestry embarking on or in their first year of post secondary study here in Canada.

If you would like to participate in this activity, please REGISTER AND PAY by SEPTEMBER 23rd by emailing [email protected] or any member of the executive committee.

His Excellency Sébastien Sigouin, Canada's new High Commissioner to Guyana, presents his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana

INVITATION: The Executives and Members of the Ottawa Valley West Indian Hindu Cultural Association (OVWIHCA) cordially invite you to their Diwali celebrations on Saturday, 19 October 2024 at the St. John the Apostle Parish, Ottawa.

Staff of the High Commission will be in attendance.

Please see the Event Flyer for more details.

ANNOUNCEMENT - National Funeral of Honour for the late Sir Shridath Surendranauth Ramphal, OE, OCC, GCMG, AM

|| Book of Condolence for the late Sir Shridath Surendranauth "Sonny" Ramphal, OE, OCC, GCMG, AM - Former Attorney General and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Guyana; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, and Commonwealth Secretary-General ||

Earlier today, 6 September 2024, His Excellency Carlos Arturo Morales López, Ambassador for the Republic of Colombia to Canada, signed the Book of Condolence opened at the Chancery of the Guyana High Commission in Ottawa, in honour of the late Sir Shridath Surendranauth "Sonny" Ramphal, OE, OCC, GCMG, AM.

The Book of Condolence will remain available for signing until 20 September 2024. All are welcomed to visit the Chancery of the Guyana High Commission in Ottawa from 10:00am to 3:00pm (Monday to Friday) to sign the Book of Condolence.

The Chancery of the Guyana High Commission is located at 123 Slater Street, Suite 902, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H2.

Kindly note that if you are unable to visit the Chancery of the High Commission to sign the Book of Condolence, you are encouraged to send your condolence messages electronically to the High Commission's official email address: [email protected]

May the soul of the late Sir Shridath Surendranauth "Sonny" Ramphal, OE, OCC, GCMG, AM, rest in peace!

In memory of Sir Shridath Ramphal, Dr. Jan Yves Remy - Director of the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services - shares a few “Glimpses of the Remarkable Trade Life” of Shridath “Sonny Ramphal” in this SRC Trading Thoughts: https://shridathramphalcentre.com/glimpses-of-the-remarkable-trade-life-of-sir-shridath-ramphal/.

The High Commission of Canada would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Government and people of Guyana, and the family and loved ones of the late Sir. Shridath Ramphal.

Sir Ramphal was an outstanding, greatly respected and accomplished statesman, diplomat, regional and international leader. His contributions will never be forgotten.

Photo 📷: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Guyana

|| Statement by The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, on the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal ||

On 2 September 2024, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, issued the following Statement:

It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Born in Guyana, Sir Ramphal was a politician and diplomat who dedicated his life to advancing human rights and social justice across the world. He was a great advocate for the equality and prosperity of all nations – large or small, developed or developing – on the world stage.

Sir Ramphal was the longest-serving Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, from 1975 to 1990. In this role, he guided the organization through some of its most transformative years. Most notably, Sir Ramphal will be remembered for spearheading the Commonwealth’s anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa – a testament to his unwavering commitment to human rights.

A believer in the power of education as a force for good, it is no surprise that the British Columbia-based Commonwealth of Learning was created during his tenure, making high-quality education available across the Commonwealth.

On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to Sir Ramphal’s family, friends, and those close to him. As we join our partners in the Caribbean and the Commonwealth in mourning this great loss, may we honour him by reaffirming the values of justice, peace, and equality that he stood for.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister of Canada

Statement from the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal In marking the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal, the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, who served from 1975 -1990, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, said:

On 1 August 2024, Ms. Cindy Sauers, Minister Counsellor, Guyana High Commission, Ottawa, attended an Emancipation Day celebration hosted by the Consulate General of Guyana in Toronto.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF CARICOM ON THE PASSING OF SIR SHRIDATH RAMPHAL GCMG AC ONZ OE OCC KC FRSA NIIV OM

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mourns the passing of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, son of the Region and leading international statesman.

You may read the Message of Condolence from the Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Chair of CARICOM: Caribbean Community by clicking here :

https://caricom.org/message-of-condolence-from-the-caricom-secretary-general-on-the-passing-of-sir-shridath-ramphal-gcmg-ac-onz-oe-occ-kc-frsa-niiv-om/

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the passing of Sir Shridath Surendranath “Sonny” Ramphal

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation learnt with deep sadness of the passing, earlier today, 30 August 2024, of Sir Shridath Ramphal.

Sir Shridath was a distinguished son of Guyana, a committed Caribbean man, a regional integrationist and icon, and a respected international statesman.

He served as Guyana’s first Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs during the formative years of our nationhood. In that role he was instrumental in establishing the foundations and general architecture of Guyana’s diplomacy and foreign policy. This he helped forge in the most challenging of times for our young nation.

Sir Shridath’s tenure as Foreign Minister was marked by notable accomplishments for Guyana’s diplomacy. The first meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement in the Western Hemisphere was held in Georgetown in 1972. Guyana and three other countries – Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago – established diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1972. Guyana became the first country from the English-speaking Caribbean to serve on the United Nations Security Council (1975-1976). The Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States was founded via the Georgetown Agreement in 1975.

Sir Shridath was an avowed regionalist, who longed to bring the nations of CARICOM closer together and to build bridges with the wider Caribbean. He was a key architect of the process of regional integration that culminated in the founding of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 1973, which, fifty-one years later, stands the oldest integration movement in the developing world.

He subsequently headed the celebrated West Indian Commission which, in 1992, produced a seminal report “A Time for Action”. Among the many outcomes of that important process of reflection was the emergence of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in 1994, which, just this year, celebrated 30 years of existence. The ACS links CARICOM with important partners in South and Central America and the wider Caribbean.

Sir Shridath’s contributions were not limited to the national and regional domains. He became the longest serving Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, holding the reins of that organisation from 1975 to 1990. In the exercise of that office, he played a pivotal role in mobilising the Commonwealth and the world against the injustices of apartheid and institutional racism in Southern Africa and was witness to the liberation of Zimbabwe from white minority rule and the eventual end of the apartheid system in South Africa.

His diplomatic and intellectual stature led to calls to serve the wider international community in many fields, roles which he executed always with singular distinction and an abiding sense of purpose. He served on numerous International Commissions including the Brandt Commission on Development, Palme Commission on Disarmament; World Commission on Environment and Development, Independent Commission on International Humanitarian Issues; the South Commission on the major problems facing Third World countries and the Commission on Global Governance. He also served as Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies and the University of Warwick, bring his distinguished imprint to those institutions of learning.

Throughout his service to the world, and amidst his many and wide-ranging engagements, his love for his homeland remained undiminished and he contributed in multifaceted ways to our country’s evolution. At the time of his passing, Sir Shridath was one of Guyana’s Co-Agents in the case before the International Court of Justice concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela), having been the last surviving witness to the signing of the 1966 Geneva Agreement concerning the Frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela.

He has left a monumental legacy of service, distinguished by excellence and commitment to the cause of human justice and to the progress of all peoples. Among the many testaments of his rich legacy is “Ramphal House” which forms an integral part of our Ministry complex and the conferment of our nation’s highest honour, the Order of Excellence.

The Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Staff of the Ministry are at one in extending our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Sir Shridath and to all who have been touched by his passing. We also record our profound gratitude for his unparalleled service to the Ministry, to Guyana, to the Caribbean, and to the world.
May his soul rest in peace!

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
30 August 2024

"The CARICOM Secretariat is profoundly saddened at the passing of a stalwart of our Community, Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, on 30 August 2024.

In an illustrious career devoted to public service, Sir Shridath blazed a trail of excellence in diplomacy, law, academia and politics, earning respect and admiration in his homeland Guyana, elsewhere in the Caribbean Region, and across the Commonwealth of Nations."

You may read the full Message of Condolence from Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General, CARICOM: Caribbean Community by clicking here :

https://caricom.org/message-of-condolence-from-the-caricom-secretary-general-on-the-passing-of-sir-shridath-ramphal-gcmg-ac-onz-oe-occ-kc-frsa-niiv-om/

On 1 August 2024, Ms. Cindy Sauers, Minister Counsellor, Guyana High Commission, Ottawa, met with Ms. Shondell Thomas and Mr. Robert Goodchild from the Auditor General's Office of Guyana. They were accompanied by Ms. Lesley Burns, Vice President, Oversight and Professional Development, Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF).

The welcome and introductory meeting was held at the Chancery of the Guyana High Commission in Ottawa.

Ms. Thomas and Mr. Goodchild are the second batch of Guyanese officials/fellows who arrived in Canada to participate in the 2024 Fellowship Program offered by the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF) as part of the International Governance and Accountability Program (IGAP). This Program is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The CAAF's international program provides capacity building for Supreme Audit Institutions and Parliamentary Oversight Committees of selected countries. Guyana is currently a beneficiary of the CAAF's seven-year program (2018-2025).

Ms. Sauers conveyed best wishes on behalf of High Commissioner Keith George to Ms. Thomas and Mr. Goodchild as they embarked upon their fellowship with assigned audit teams at the Office of the Auditor General of Manitoba, Canada.

As Canada 🇨🇦 continues to support education globally, private sector companies are working with Guyana to assist in building capacity for citizens.

Just recently, the Trade Commissioner Services of the High Commission facilitated a meeting between representatives of the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) and the Director of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning ( ) , Dr. Jacob Opadeyi, to discuss programs available at CNA that may be of interest to the people of Guyana 🇬🇾.

A part of the meeting were Senior Trade Officer at the High Commission, Mr. Omesh Balmacoon, Trade Assistant, Ms. Kelly Chin and representatives of CNA, Ms. Elizabeth Vincent and Ms. Heidi Staeben-Simmons



Trade Commissioner Service - Global Affairs Canada

(July 2024 Review) -

On 23 July 2024, His Excellency Keith George, High Commissioner for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to Canada, received a courtesy call from Canada's High Commissioner-designate to Guyana, His Excellency Sébastien Sigouin.

During the engagement, mutual areas of interest were discussed as well as ways of advancing and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Guyana and Canada.

High Commissioner George congratulated High Commissioner-designate Sigouin on his appointment and wished him all the best on his tenure in Guyana.

High Commissioner George and High Commissioner-designate Sigouin committed to continued and future collaboration.

Also in attendance were Ms. Cindy Sauers, Minister Counsellor, Guyana High Commission; Ms. Annie Lafontaine, Deputy Director, Caribbean Engagement Division, Global Affairs Canada; and Ms. Nada Slaoui, Senior Desk Officer for Guyana, Caribbean Engagement Division, Global Affairs Canada.

Diplomatic relations were established between Guyana and Canada on 26 May 1966.