Dear Editor,
Media coverage of the impact of Barbados’s new immigration policy, comes across as a deliberate strategy to divert attention from the origin of the situation. The migration of Guyanese to Barbados is largely the result of the failure of the Guyana government to create work for the people, provide decent security and social services, to respect human rights, and ensure equality. The lack of these conditions has caused Guyanese to flee in droves. This is the crux of the problem.
Barbados’s new immigration policy cannot be looked at in isolation. Making Barbados the scapegoat will not fix the problems in Guyana, or ensure a Caribbean Community of equal opportunities and economic development. As a sovereign nation it is Barbados’s right to enforce immigration laws to protect its people and its economy and standard of living. Note, the CSME free movement of labour and skills does not support a failure to adhere to laws.
Guyana, too, has immigration laws that allow for the deportation of illegal immigrants and illegal workers. Barbados is one of the region’s strongest economies, and this says a lot about the country’s governance. Its best practices should be copied, not ridiculed and insulted as seems to be the new fad, in the hope that Barbados will compromise its laws and standards.
Barbados’s new immigration policy offers a path to legal status, and law-abiding people should adhere to the law. Given human nature there may be misinterpretation and misapplication of the law, and in instances where this occurs, it has to be addressed.
On the other hand, Barbados by now should know the reasons for the influx of illegal Guyanese working in the country. It is therefore in that island’s national interest and Caricom’s regional interest to speak out against what is happening in Guyana, and support those who want to change the situation, since it is evident there is a correlation between Guyana’s deterioration and illegal migration.
If people were treated right at home, had opportunities for jobs, enjoyed quality social services and security, then there wouldn’t be this exodus from Guyana to live and work in other countries illegally.
Yours faithfully,
M. A. Bacchus
