The Toronto Chapter of the QCAA held its Appreciation Evening on Sunday, February 11, 2001 at the Scott Wesney Hall. Mr. Ronald Wharton , our Master of Ceremonies kept nicely in check the occasional propensity for gathering wool.

Our President, Mr. Eden Gajraj took some time in his opening remarks to bring us up to date on the rehabilitation of the Queen’s College building.

Mr. Justice Vibert Lampkin (shown in picture at left) was our featured guest speaker. Low-key and spellbinding, he outlined similarities and differences in the systems of justice in Guyana and Canada. One major difference in the Guyanese system is the absence of DNA testing. We seem not to have the resources or the expertise just yet. It occurs to your faithful recorder that this might be a hidden plus for sections of our community who might from time to time be designated as criminal in the judgement of the courts; the lack of DNA testing in the country will continue to provide a welcome shadow of uncertainty around any such designation. Mr. Justice Lampkin answered with patience and deliberation a wide range of questions from the audience.

There were four recipients of our collective appreciation, channeled through our presenter, the Honourable Danny Doobay, Consul General of Guyana to Canada. Mr. Richard Gaskin was given a life-time membership for outstanding and consistent support to our organization. Mr. Desmond Chang-Sang received our appreciation for his continuing and unrelenting services at our special events. Mr. Gerald Alleyne, our immediate Past President was recognized for his hard work before, during and since his presidency. Miss Nadia Ramprasad was awarded our Student Bursary. Nadia has embarked on a course of studies towards the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario.

The evening ended with a fine spread of Guyanese food which received no less appreciation and application than the formal segment of the afternoon.