[2] The Communist Party was not a strong political force in Canada during this period, and da Silva never came close to winning election.

[4] Da Silva was appointed to the cabinet of President Bharrat Jagdeo on 19 November 1999, replacing the ailing Michael Shree Chan as minister of trade, tourism and industry.

[6] He also promoted sustainable tourism in the ecologically fragile area of Kaieteur and took part in negotiations toward completing a roadway with Brazil.

[9] The following year, the Guyana and Caribbean Political and Cultural Center for Popular Education released an essay arguing that he had significantly improved the agency's ability to attract investors during his time in office.

[12] Notwithstanding his leftist political background, da Silva has called for increased private-sector involvement in Guyana's food packaging industry.