Guyanese doctor and entrepreneur Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay
Guyanese doctor and entrepreneur Dr Budhendranauth Doobay has been conferred with the Order of Canada, making him the only Guyanese to hold both the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. He was among 83 persons who on Thursday were bestowed with this title.
Dr. Doobay is a retired cardiovascular surgeon, religious leader and mentor, and is a pillar of the Guyanese-Canadian and Indo-Canadian communities.
He is the Founder of the Vishnu Mandir, the Gandhi Memorial Peace Garden, The Canadian Museum of Indian Civilization, and many other philanthropic organizations by which he advocates for unity in diversity.
This philanthropist and humanitarian is the founder of the Doobay Medical and Research Centre in Guyana, which has locations in Lusignan, ECD; at the New Amsterdam Hospital; at Parika, EBE; and at Diamond, EBD.
A CBC news article detailed that Governor General Mary Simon has announced 83 appointments to the Order of Canada — a list that includes doctors, activists, artists and economists.
Simon’s office announced one new companion — the highest level of the Order of Canada —16 officers, two honorary officers and 64 new members, the introductory honour level in the order. Two of the appointments are promotions within the Order of Canada.
“The Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made positive and lasting impacts on communities here in Canada, or who have brought honour to our country abroad,” the Governor General said in a media statement.
“Congratulations to the new appointees, and thank you to the nominators who cast a spotlight on their achievements, purpose and exceptional talent.”
Among the awardees were Pop-punk musician Avril Lavigne; journalist and filmmaker Mellissa Fung; Award-winning actress and producer Tina Keeper; former Radio Canada journalist and Canada’s current ambassador to the Vatican, Joyce Napier; the former President and CEO of Desjardins Group, Monique Forget Leroux; the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz; Longtime childcare advocate Martha Friendly; music teacher and children’s choir conductor Madeleine Humer; first Black Canadian woman to be appointed to the Court of Canadian Citizenship, Pamela Appelt; and celebrated playwright Colleen Louise Murphy.
