Dear Editor,
Some time ago news filtered in that our government through its illustrious head of state had agreed to accept a number of persons not wanted by the United States government. I found this unbelievable and no more than malicious rumour being spread to taint our government.
Over the weekend reliable sources have confirmed that this travesty of accepting individuals unwanted, or deemed persona non grata by another state is true, and its implementation has started.
I discussed this matter with some young Guyanese and one youngster put it simply, even though I said we must not say it, he said “we have a rookie in charge of government business”. In the UK, most of Europe, the Middle East, and in the North and South Americas immigration is a major issue.
Immigration has divided and is dividing political parties, and citizens in many parts of the world, many countries and Guyana should be numbered among such, ought to be concerned that wanton foolish immigration can change the demographic and cultural landscape of their countries, in the majority of cases, certainly not for the better.
What makes this adventure by our government heart-rending and stressful is that there is no logic, and no good sense to what is happening. However, by way of example, if we are short of medical professionals, such as physicians, specialists, nurses, and laboratory technicians the policy should be to admit into our country only persons with verified qualifications.
This policy should apply to other areas where Guyanese whose naval-string is buried here, lack the necessary skills and experience. Further in each and every case we must be satisfied with the character, moral standing, physical and mental state of persons coming into our country to work and live. Of course, the question of security must always be paramount, and therein editor and citizens, is my problem.
I have been in public life for more than seven decades and witnessed the dismantling of the best internal and external security system in the region from the late 80s. On the external front no matter what the challenges a small country like ours face, the ministry of foreign affairs, our ambassadors, envoys and representatives must have the skills, personality and perspicacity to deal with a tricky, and I say, treacherous international environment.
Meaning disrespect to no one, but I have not observed the likes of Sir Shridath Ramphal, Fred Wills, Bishop Fred Talbot, Sir Lionel Luckhoo, Sir John Carter, Dr Cedric Grant, Rashleigh Jackson, Ronald Austin, Rudy Collins, Rudy Insanally, Malcom Parris, Dr Mohammed Shahabeen, Cheryl Miles, Ann Jardim, Cecil Pilgrim, Sydney Saul, Carl Greenidge and Dennis Gouveia, representing our country.
In addition to these persons of commitment and sagacity, annually we hosted meetings involving all our diplomats to review and understand the changing world, and the dynamics affecting Guyana. First time in the hemisphere, Guyana in 1972, hosted a well-attended meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the non-Aligned movement.
All of the above and its diplomatic corps, the confidence to deal with foreign powers large and small, to preserve our dignity, our sovereignty enabled us to be held with due regard by the majority of nation states. Today, we must all speak up against this abomination, and this disrespect for the sanctity of the contract we signed at independence on May 26, 1966. That contract was signed on behalf of our ancestors and our descendants, we must not betray them or fail them, and remind all and sundry that Guyana is not for sale.
Yours truly,
Elder Hamilton Green
