Roger Anthony Mattar
When my friend, the late Ex-Inspector John Chance, hatched the idea to organize the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC), he envisioned we should be able to relate to one another as we were accustomed to doing in our previous profession, provide assistance to each other whenever possible, and give back some of our life experiences to the community.
What a noble thought! On June 12, 1997 John’s dream bore fruit. Unfortunately, John passed away and was not fortunate to witness GEPAC’s progress.
Since then, we had a series of exceptional leaders: – Gordon Collins, Alfred Bynoe, the late Cleveland Moore, John O’Dell and William Henry who, together with the cooperation of GEPAC’s membership and supporters, worked hard towards making John’s vision a reality.
As President of GEPAC, I have placed myself in the position of those who preceded me to this office and I am certain the support of an eager executive and an energetic membership will build continued success.
The year 2009 was one in which we made a major leap forward. We revised GEPAC’s constitution to introduce a new type of membership – associate membership – to keep abreast with the changing times. We donated five bursaries of $250.00 each for the purchase of text books to five qualified grade six students whose parents are serving members of the Guyana Police Force. We also made a donation of $300.00 to Joshua House, an orphanage for underprivileged children in Guyana.
Over the years, in an attempt to encourage young people to pursue a career in law enforcement, our organization hosted several job fairs in the Greater Toronto Area. Last year, GEPAC hosted two job fairs and our target is to continue hosting at least four such events per year. Since inception, we donated annually to The Hospital for Sick Children and last year we organized another family fun day in conjunction with the Guyana Ex-Soldiers Association. Then, our post-Christmas get-together for members and supporters was a resounding success.
In 2010 we continue to move forward. Our new website was created (still awaiting content from members and committees) so we can communicate more effectively with our membership, supporters, and those who need more information, while satisfying the curiosity of the general public.
To those who have taken the time to visit our site, please feel encouraged to send your comments and recommendations with regards to improving our data base. All constructive comments are welcome.
This year will see us embarking on new initiatives, projects and programs and again, as we have done in the past, we will continue to rely on your invaluable support. We are currently processing applications for the 2010 bursaries and will again contribute to Joshua House.
Plans are underway for some of our members to travel to Guyana in July 2010 to attend the anniversary celebrations of the Guyana Police Force.
We very much appreciate all who have supported GEPAC over the years, and look forward to a happy and productive 2010.
Thanks for spending your valuable time with us, by visiting this website. Remember, your comments are most welcome.
2008
William E. Henry, Pres.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to stand as the leader to bring you greetings from the officers and members of GEPAC.
Having enjoyed a sumptuous meal, and soothing beverages, it is not the best time to engage one in serious conversation; especially when there is the expectation of melodious sounds to put one in the party mood.
Nevertheless, these are serious times and there are serious challenges to our people and to our neighbours in this our cosmopolitan city of Toronto, not unlike what is also happening in parts of other cities both in our Canada and across our borders in the USA, and elsewhere.
I already have sent you a message written in the GEPAC News Letter released today. It is also being released on our web-site. Read it. But now I am moved to speak briefly on another subject of grave importance, i.e.,
“Social Disorder in our Communities.”
Our cities have changed over the years. Do you remember the days when we could have stood in line in a very orderly fashion and awaited the TTC bus; when no commuter on the bus or train jostled, elbowed you or yelled profanities in a so called normal conversation?
But were that all, it would not have been so bad.
Many of us have run from conditions of violence, discrimination, fear and suffering, only to confront it after our presumed successful escape flight.
What is responsible for this state of our society, and what can we do to help ourselves out of this current dilemma?
Many successful research studies have been conducted and there are models and strategies established in the theory and practice of crime prevention. GEPAC is now prepared to facilitate workshops and leadership in facilitating relevant sessions to give a starting point in solving some of these social problems as soon as you are ready.
For example, we can display models that have worked in similar communities, with a view of tailoring them to suit our needs.
Thereafter we can attempt to work with you and with our schools. We can assist in general school based prevention practices, strategies and programs.
WE can encourage and if necessary facilitate Violence Prevention Programs which are already available.
Also counseling, mentoring and tutoring programs can be initiated outside of the school program to benefit students with particular problems in their lives.
Peer counseling and Support Groups are also excellent programs. They use students as peer resources to assist in dispute resolution when conflicts arise among students. This can be used for violence prevention, substance abuse, racial divisions, etc.
Recreation and Leisure Activities – These are intended to provide constructive and fun recreational programs – including those revolving around sports and other activity. These help children and youth from engaging in delinquent activity during the after school boredom.
We can also examine and explore sources to provide food and nutrition as nutritious meals are critical to physical, behavioral and academic development.
Gang related Measures – Youth gangs are incubators for delinquency, crime and violence.
It is, therefore, our responsibility to take initial action – to tutor them in Gang Resistance Training and Education.
It will be found that these actions collectively have the power of reducing truancy, school expulsions, drop out rates, etc.
NEXT STEPS:
Call on us or we will be calling on you to further this discussion with a view of commencing some positive action to save our-selves and out society.
I conclude with a three-fold message that recently caught my eye and which I will leave with you:
Dream to overcome – Think Big – Start Small.
Bless you all.
William E. Henry, Pres.