Warm Welcome in Toronto for Guyana’s U.S. Ambassador Sam Hinds

By: Ron Cheong | Photos courtesy: Ron Cheong

Former Hon Consul General Danny Doobay Presents Ambassador Hinds with a Plaque of appreciation for his work creating bridges in the Diaspora

The Plaque reads in part: In appreciation of His Excellency Dr.  Samuel A.A. Hinds years of exemplary Leadership and Service to Guyana and the Guyanese Diaspora, and outstanding contribution to the development of Guyana.

Toronto, ON — A heartwarming evening of culture, diplomacy, and community spirit unfolded in Toronto last Sunday as members of the Guyana Diaspora, Canadian dignitaries, and friends gathered to honor His Excellency Dr. Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, during his private vacation in Canada.

- Advertisement -

The Ambassador’s visit on the long Ontario holiday weekend couldn’t have been planned for a better time. It was the weekend of the annual Toronto Caribana Grand Parade, and Caribbean culture and carnival colors and costumes were everywhere in the air with the weather cooperating with a warm, bright day.

Ambassador Hinds, who maintains deep personal and professional ties to Canada, was the guest of honor at a dinner hosted at the Caribbean Queen’s Banquet Hall. Hinds is no stranger to Canadian soil—he graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1967 and launched his professional career in Montreal with Alcan, now part of Rio Tinto.

The evening brought together a broad spectrum of guests, including Members of Parliament, diplomats, and community leaders, all of whom paid tribute to Ambassador Hinds’ long-standing contributions to Guyana and the Caribbean community. Among the highlights of the night was the presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal to Ambassador Hinds by MP Judy Sgro (Humber River – Black Creek), who adjusted her schedule to participate in the evening’s celebration.

“It was truly an honor to witness such a distinguished Guyanese and Canadian alumnus being recognized for his service,” said MP Sgro, referring to Hinds’ historic role as Guyana’s former Prime Minister and President, and now as Ambassador in Washington.

The evening was further elevated by the presence of several Consuls General, former Consuls General, and High Commissioners from various countries, who attended in a spirit of diplomatic goodwill and mutual respect.

Guests were treated to a delicious Caribbean dinner prepared and served with professionalism by the banquet hall’s culinary team, whose efforts were praised throughout the night. In a warm gesture, Ambassador Hinds presented the staff with honorary Guyanese citizenship and Guyana pins, to the delight of the entire room.

The celebration also featured a moving cultural segment with live steel pan music, whose vibrant rhythms created a joyful and nostalgic atmosphere. A surprise performance by an impromptu trio of Guyanese folk singers added to the authenticity and emotional resonance of the evening.

Speakers throughout the night offered inspiring reflections on leadership, identity, and community, while generous donors and gift-givers were thanked for their vital support in making the event possible.

“This was more than just a dinner,” said Ned Blair, Chair of the Organising Committee. “It was a celebration of shared heritage, friendship, and enduring ties between Guyana and Canada. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this evening so special.”

Ambassador Hinds, clearly moved by the outpouring of warmth, expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and enduring connections with the Canadian-Caribbean community—connections that were rekindled and celebrated in true Guyanese style.

  #AmbassadorHinds, #CaribbeanCommunity, #CaribbeanCulture, #CaribbeanDiplomacy, #CommunityCelebration, #CulturalDiplomacy, #DiasporaConnections, #DiasporaPride, #GuyaneseDiaspora, #GuyaneseHeritage, #GuyaneseInCanada, #TorontoCaribana, #TorontoEvents, diplomacy, Guyana