By Lincoln DePradine

Leaders of two Caribbean Community nations, Guyana and Grenada, are expected in Ontario this weekend to meet nationals residing in Canada.

Guyanese President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is leading a delegation that includes his Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. The visit is a joint undertaking of the Guyana government, in collaboration with Stabroek Travel and GO Logistics.

Organizers say hundreds are expected to meet with the presidential party for a “Diaspora Engagement’’, in which the Guyanese leader will speak on “present and future developments of Guyana’’, especially on the “energy sector and opportunities in various industries’’.

The Guyana event begins 2 pm, Saturday, July 1, and is at La Primavera Banquet Hall in Woodbridge.

On Saturday, as well, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell will be speaking to his countrymen and women at an event in another part of the province.

Mitchell, also leader of Grenada’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), will be at Bellvue Manor in Concord for a $250-ticketed gala organized by his party support group in Canada.

According to organizers, proceeds from the event will be used for constructing an NDC “resource centre in Grenada’’.

Prime Minister Mitchell and his foreign minister, Joseph Andall, also are scheduled to attend a second function, a townhall, in Scarborough. The meeting is Sunday, July 2, 3 pm – 7 pm, at Tropicana Community Services’ centre, 1385 Huntingwood Drive.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Grenada nationals and friends of Grenada to meet with the prime minister and delegation to address issues of national importance. The meeting will cover a wide range of topics, and audience questions will be taken,’’ said an invitation issued by Grenada’s consular office in Toronto headed by Honourary Consul General Dawne Francois.

“Please note due to limited seating, we advise you to arrive early to secure your place. We look forward to welcoming you to the townhall meeting, and we hope that this will be a productive and informative session.’’

Mitchell, a lawyer by profession, entered frontline politics in October 2021, when he was elected to head the NDC.

He led the NDC to a general election victory in 2022 and has just celebrated his first year in office as government leader.

“Twelve months ago, you—the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique—gave our government the mandate to transform our beloved nation. To disrupt the status quo, refocus our priorities and reimagine the future that we collectively want for Grenada. For our team, this opportunity to effect positive change in our communities is a privilege we hoped for, that many of us prayed for, and one that I can assure you my cabinet ministers and I take very seriously,’’ Mitchell said in a national address marking the anniversary of his party’s electoral triumph.

“I extend sincere gratitude to every citizen of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique for believing in our vision and for giving our team the opportunity to serve,’’ he added. “We are even more convinced now, one year in, that as a people, we can achieve any goal if we work together. I ask that you continue to support our initiatives.’’