––Malvern Mall in Scarborough on Saturday, April 16 

–Albion Mall in Etobicoke on Saturday, May 28 

–Westwood Mall in Mississauga on Saturday, October 15      

We were very successful with the presentations from several participants, including Metro Toronto Police, York Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Forces, Peel Regional Police, Canadian Security Services, Toronto Fire Department and Mississauga Fire Services. 

Even though the malls were not as active as usual, the presenters were impressed with the quality of questions asked by interested parties.

 GEPAC was assisted with contributions for these Job Fairs by El Dorado Jewelers in Scarborough, McDonald’s branches in Malvern and Scarborough, and Krispie Cream Donuts in Mississauga.   GEPAC presented representatives of these companies with framed certificates of appreciation. 

These events were coordinated by Brothers Floyd Blyden and Roger Mattar.  They are working out details for this year’s Job Fairs.  Check out our website for details.

The home of the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada

Our organization’s purpose is to foster love and fellowship among all ex-police officers of the Guyana Police Force in Canada and the world at large. We are a non political or sectarian group. Our membership is a mixed group of individuals that reflects the makeup of Guyana.

 Thank you for your Support and Service to our Community…

The Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC) presented recently-retired Deputy Chief Anthony “Tony” Warr with a commemorative plaque as a token of our appreciation and a “Thank you for your Support and Service to our Community”.

The formal presentation was made by Police Auxiliary Superintendent Frank Fernandes, who is a member of GEPAC and Patron of the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organizations (AGCO). This event took place at the Annual Brunch of the Guyanese Pioneer Fundraising Group on November 20, 2011 at Rembrandt Banquet Halls.

Deputy Chief Warr headed the Specialised Operations Command of the Toronto Police Services up to the time of retirement.

This panoramic photo shows proud GEPAC members from left to right: Gordon Collins, Superintendent Bob Clarke who also recently retired from the Toronto Police Services, Dessie Fanfair, Louis Jarvis, Julian Austin, Frank Fernandes, Thelma Tappin – President of the Guyanese Pioneer Fundraising Group, Tony Warr showing off his plaque, Joy Simon, Roger Mattar, Cheryl Smith, John O’Dell and  William Henry.

GEPAC member Lucille Charles, who is also the Vice-President of the Guyanese Pioneer Fundraising Group was indisposed when this photograph was snapped.

 EXECUTIVE MEMBERS – GEPAC 2011

Standing L to R: Welfare Officer William Henry, Vice-President John Johnson, Treasurer, Cleveland Chester, Sergeant-at-Arm Fitzherbert Mars, Trustee Louis Jarvis, and Asst. Treasurer Roy Soobrian.

Seated are: Trustee Bert Leacock, Immediate Past President Roger Mattar, President Lance Alexander, Trustee Dessie Fanfair and Secretary Gord Collins.

Absent are Public Relations Officer Frederick Halley and Asst. Secretary John O’Dell

 EXECUTIVE  & GENERAL MEMBERS – GEPAC

Members of the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC) showed off their vocal virtues at the organisation’s Annual Remembrance Brunch onSun., Nov. 6, 2011to officially debut their choir.

GEPAC’s choir was formed only three weeks prior to their inaugural stage performance but this group was not just a motley crew.  From the opening bell when our drummers took the stage, to the closing act for a respectful bow to the audience, all eyes and ears were riveted to the performers colourful dress, dance moves, vocal delivery, harmony and cohesion.  Despite only three practice sessions, the choir delivered sterling renditions of four favourite Guyanese folk songs, much to the pleasant surprise and appreciation of their 250-plus audience at the Rembrandt Banquet Halls in Scarborough.

With opening signature folk song “Oman A Dead Ya Fo Man” led by former Guyana Police Male Voice Choir member Julian Austin, the group had some of the audience dancing in the aisles while most joined in the chorus lines.  They followed up with “Bamboo Fire”, featuring John Johnson as lead vocalist.  Then Doreen Gibson sang lead for “Uncle Joe” and Country Kenny Joseph did the honours for “Satira Gal”. 

The Guyana Ex-Police Canadian Choir brought the house down when performers pranced off the stage and continued the song-and-dance sequel amongst the audience with their final rendition of “Satira Gal”.  Yes, they worked the audience with some traditional “wineing” and old-time gyrations.  It was truly a time of reminiscence for our Guyanese culture and heritage, with the audience loving every moment.
For several years, there were always discussions amongst the group for the formation of a choir.  However, the choir only materialised three weeks before the Brunch through the encouragement and drive of Dessie Fanfair, daughter of GEPAC’s Founding Father, John Chance.  Simply put, she (and others) wanted a choir performance at the association’s Remembrance Bunch.

With singing stalwarts Julian and Country Kenny to assist with three auditions, the group welded together for a spirited performance, perhaps even surprising themselves.  Also outstanding was the fact that the choir had never before performed with the accompaniment of musical veterans Martin Grimmond on keyboards, and Jan Morgan on trumpet.

The Guyana Ex-Police Association Canadian Choir members are in alpha order:  Lance Alexander on guitar, Julian Austin, Gordon Collins, Lucille Charles, Dessie Fanfair, Doreen Gibson, William Henry on guitar, Louis Jarvis, John Johnson, Country Kenny Joseph, Bert Leacock, John O’Dell on drums, Joy Simon, and Roy Soobrian on drums.  Gordon Collins emceed the Brunch programme but was unavailable to sing with the choir because of another commitment.