President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday said the issue involving 50 Mormons here without permits could have been “better handled” as there was no need for the missionaries to be rounded up and taken into custody even though the police had a right to do so.
“I didn’t think, frankly speaking, that we needed to round people up. It is not the image of Guyana that we want to portray, particularly where it concerns religious people,” the President told reporters yesterday at the opening of the new East La Penitence Health Centre.
“But the police have to enforce the immigration laws of our country. We are an open society, we are very welcoming but we also have laws,” he added.
Last week Wednesday the police detained 50 missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had them in custody for hours. They were only released after a meeting was held with the President and they were then given 30 days to leave the country.
The PNCR has severely criticised the government over the handling of the issue.
Jagdeo said when he learnt of the matter the missionaries were already in police custody and he immediately invited some of their representatives to a meeting.
Simultaneously, the President said, he had the police over to brief him on the issue and he saw the records from the police that they were all “here in violation of some immigration law, either overstaying their allotted time in Guyana or not having work permits which is a requirement of our laws.
“I did not want to get too involved in the administration of immigration law… I made it clear to them that in another country the political authorities would stay away from immigration matters because once you violate those you have to pay the penalties,” Jagdeo said.
He said he instructed that the people go back to their regular business but that they have one month to voluntarily leave the country. This does not mean that they cannot return to Guyana. However, he said he told the elders he met with that they would have to sort out the immigration issues from abroad.
“They asked if everyone had to leave and I said ‘no only those who were in violation of their immigration status’ so there would still be Mormons living and working in Guyana. But those who are in violation would have to leave and then seek to regularise their status.”
And the Head of State said that “at some point in time” at a country level there needs to be discussions about missionaries, “I think many people have been raising this from different areas and I have not addressed it as yet. I haven’t even thought about it. But you know if we are going to allow 50 missionaries from the Middle East to come too, Islamic missionaries and if every church in Guyana wants to bring 50 or 100 missionaries, with so many denominations, you could potentially have difficulties.”
However, the President said it is not a decision that the government alone would take as “it has to be done in consultations with our religious community.”
And like the Ministry of Home Affairs, he denied reports that the church members were held because they were involved in spying activities.
“I don’t know what they are going to spy on because we don’t have much military secrets or anything else,” the President said yesterday.
In a press release the ministry had said that “… acting in accordance with the Laws of Guyana i.e. the Immigration Act Chap 14:02 [the ministry] issued letters denying work permits and extensions of stay to 50 missionaries belonging to the said church. They were ordered to leave the jurisdiction.” It added that efforts are being made to determine the whereabouts of 13 others. The release had also said that replacements of the missionaries would be allowed into the country and that the church’s leaders had agreed to such an approach.
Prior to their release the missionaries through their lawyer, Nigel Hughes, had moved to the High Court which resulted in an order issued by Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang, “… restraining the defendant… from arresting and or detaining the applicants for the purposes of removing the applicants from Guyana before the hearing and determination of the Appeals filed by the plaintiffs [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]…”
The matter was adjourned to September 16.
Superintendant Mc Bean’s issue could have been better handled too.
The President handled this very well. A true statesman. Always put the interests of Guyanese before others.
Talk about pressure…over to you dacta randy.
I guess do what I say and not what I do is the PPP’s modus operandi. Afterall it was this very government who screamed fowl when Barbados enforced the same immigration laws to expell Guyanese illegals and overstayers from their island.
Ex-GDF, the reason for McBean’s dismissal is purely political. For one year he was in Britain undergoing studies on a British scholarship, he was being paid by the police force and the Guyana Mission in London facilitated his constant sick leave requests. If he was violating police protocol why didn’t the Police Service Commission, the Commissioner and the government cut him off shortly after he started his studies? When Jagdeo received word that the army officer on training in the US was linked to the Buxton criminal gang, Jagdeo immediately cut short his training and returned to Guyana, so what was government’s excuse for not acting on McBean earlier? To me, the Jagdeo government is angry with Britain for wanting to station British personnel in Guyana to work alongside Guyana’s police as part of the police reformation exercise being financed by Britain. And knowing how vindictive and small-minded the Jagdeo government is, it is possible it put the reformation deal on ice, and fired McBean to send a message to the British that it doesn’t need anyone trained by the British to work with the Guyana police force. So while the firing was purely political, it has serious ramifications for an experienced, educated and relatively young Guyanese man and his family who need to eat and live somewhere. This is no different from the government arbitrarily firing state employees who fail its polygraph tests, and I would dub this government-sponsored economic deprivation against its people.
csingh says: The President handled this very well. A true statesman. Always put the interests of Guyanese before others.
Singh, what true statesman are you talking about? Only political dimwits like you would believe what you write, because you cannot tell me or anyone anywhere that Jagdeo didn’t know about this raid before it took place! How can the police move to round up Americans in Guyana and he doesn’t know? Henry Green had to know and once he knew, he had to tell Jagdeo, especially if anything were to go wrong in the rounding up, such as if any of the Americans ended up injured or dead.
And check this quote from Jagdeo: ““But the police have to enforce the immigration laws of our country. We are an open society, we are very welcoming but we also have laws,” he added.” Well, why isn’t he applying the laws instead of usurping them? He sees himself like Burnham: the embodiment of the laws! It gets sicker each passing day!
Jagdeo is now morphing into Burnham, and they’re beginning to become non-distinctive from each other.
hahhahaha true statesman? hehehehehee u managing up dere singh you managing up dere bwoy.
Did I just hear the sound of Cement Roti being slapped?
I like that: Clement Roti
for theatrical effect…
You heard right.
Nope! its was just the shells of dry coconut falling…
You folks are simply hilarious. The well known Guyanese comedian “Habeeb Khan” must be looking over your shoulders.
Good morning everyone. The President is apparently ill-advised to make this statement, though I can see some value.
The Immigration Department has a job to do. The church top brass had to know the regulations were being broken. Their apparent cavilier approach showed contempt and arrogance for Guyana. A lesson had to be taught. It was a done deal.
“Religious people” ? History is replete with horrific crimes committed by “religious” people against humanity including burning the dieties and destroying indigenous religions of native peoples (for example Amerindian peoples in Latin America).
Developing countries like Guyana have to have better monitoring systems in place for missionaries,especially those practicing discrimination against women, visiting preachers and people like that.. God continue to bless Guyana and our religious diversity and tolerance… Amen…
“The President is apparently ill-advised to make this statement, though I can see some value.”
Make up your mind NeverReddy. Is he ill-advised, or is he “apparently ill-advised”? Is he ill-advised or is he talking total nonsense.
I suspect that you feel the statement is ill-advised, because it transparently strains credulity!
If you believe that 50+ nationals of the most powerful nation on earth (and no other) were rounded up, some in the dead of night and the potsalt president had no prior knowledge, then either you also believe in Santa Claus, or the Home Affairs Minister or Chief Immigration Officer need their heads examined…
“Good morning everyone. The President is apparently ill-advised to make this statement, though I can see some value.”
As I said before, you need to make up your mind! is he ill-advised, apparently ill-advised, and is he adding value or talking nonsense.
Its obvious that you were trying valiantly to overcome the urge to say “Comrade Napolean is always right”.
communists don’t believe in God Reddy.
Norman, you’re right out there on a limb with Mr Rohee and others who are letting time pass them by.
Wow, here I am defending the President’s statesman-like position against your locked-into the past ranting: today you’re against Mr Jagdeo, the church “top brass” (et tu God?), and “religious people”.
Reddy/Norman, is it to late for you to see some light?
NEVER REDDY, your president is ill- advised and has always been ill-advised and as a result there is no progress to talk about in GY.
Re: ““Religious people” ? History is replete with horrific crimes committed by “religious” people against humanity including burning the (deities) and destroying indigenous religions of native peoples (for example Amerindian peoples in Latin America)…”
Yep, “History is replete with” heroic deeds by religious people; and, as an example their role in the saving of the lives of hundreds of thousands of Jews from Hitlers Army.
Is it “politics” – is it not. Is it “politics” – is it not!…. and the “Spin” Battery is always at the “Reddy in Barbados”.
john brown,
“communists don’t believe in God Reddy”
Yet, those who believe in God have killed thousands or should I say millions during the dark ages of Europe in his name. JB, what day is today? Yes, and how many have perished in the U.S. and abroad over the past 8 years. Those who give orders to drop bombs or hijack planes, do they believe in God?
Griot, “most powerful nation on earth” ? Huh ? So Guyana is to sit back and let any foreigners, especially missionaries who pastoring so they can go to heaven while their womenfolk apparently must go to hell, do wwaht they want in our country ? Don’t tell me is you boot licking like that ??. I can’t believe it….Have a good weekend…
Reddy i guess you feel like an old lady now, your presi admitted that the situation could’ve been handled better, it’s just like pres. obama with the police arresting skip gate and he made a comment which he should’ve never got involved and he had to retract his statement, the same thing jag is doing here.
Reddy in Barbados says, and I quote,”The Immigration Department has a job to do.”
I rest my case.
Re: “Those who give orders to drop bombs or hijack planes, do they believe in God?”
Well, does not the “Bible” says – “If You Wish For (Peace) Then You Have To Prepare For War”!!!
Is it not amwazing that this readdy in Barbados character doesnt see the immigration authorties in Barbodas as “having a job to do” when it comes to the administration of Bajan Immigration laws. Especially when it comes to the managing of Guyanese illegals on their island. Instead he, Mr naawman fahria had the nerve to raise the ugly race card as the cause for their expulsion. How interesting.
REDDY says
“Griot, “most powerful nation on earth” ? Huh ? So Guyana is to sit back and let any foreigners, especially missionaries who pastoring so they can go to heaven while their womenfolk apparently must go to hell, do wwaht they want in our country ? ”
Nice try Norman Nice Try but STICK TO THE POINT. Stabroek news writes “Jagdeo said when he learnt of the matter the missionaries were already in police custody…” That’s the point Norman. I reiterate IS IT PLAUSIBLE that 50 nationals of the most powerful nation on earth (yes that’s right put it in your pipe and smoke it instead of that cheap weed that dem girls does give you pun Nelson Street) could be rounded up and Mr. Know-it-All Jagdeo did not know beforehand. That’s the point Norman, that’s the point.
REDDY Wrote
”
Don’t tell me is you boot licking like that ??. I can’t believe it….Have a good weekend…”
Reds if you want to see real licking see the following statement “The President is apparently ill-advised to make this statement, though I can see some value”
And that licking is located somewhat north of the boots
It’s nice to see some degree of sanity returning to this issue. Please inform your immigration department that while they have the legal right to challenge foreigners in our country, sweeps and roundups of humans like cattle runs are not part of the Guyanese psyche. That’s Barbadian and we have loudly condemned them for it.
Good Cop………Bad Cop!!!
I like the pun. Very sly indeed.
Amen to that brother Borapork.
the president knew fully well in advance of the situation with
the mormons, he is just trying to navigate a path out of this
embarrasment, he should shy away from commenting on this issue
and let the police or home affairs minister answers to the
media, the damage is already done…
aye cack eye turbo i must …i say..i must agree wid yuh on dis…..de prez only playing de fool..he should and must know every thing wuts going on in his country and wid his security people as well..
Ah!Give the man a break.And what embarrasment?they broke the immigration law.”La Loi Est La Loi”
Did Jagdoe just wake up out of his slumber and see they were breaking immigration laws?
How about accusing the people of being spies ala Rohee haw?
Madness, this government is just dishing out retribution to these people for their association with the PHENC. They got caught up in the petty politics of The Jagdoe banana republic unfortunately.
Evileyes, you coming to come man you coming to come.
The preident wants to play us for fools. He knew fully well what was happening and I dare say that he gave the go ahead and now that their is an outcry he is trying to act blameless. But we’re on to you presi we’re on to you.Stand like a man and take the blame.
glad to know that cackeye i mean evileyes i believe you
are trying to see straight now that is a good sign now
try and convince your buddies soldier and rodrick tell them
it’s time they raised their head out of the sand…
It is good to know that you are finally seeing some light
evil.
POUDEROYEN MAN
you fall in de trap to?
ehehehehehehehehehehehe
dats to tell how smaat yall is…..
will see light wen yall pee n see an a f cee dismantle so guyana can breath….
Seems an intelligent, mature statement. Guyana can only benefit from this kind of approach at all levels.
I hope Clement Rohee and a few others are taking notes.
I believe that this should have been written: ““I didn’t think, frankly speaking, that we needed to round people up. It is not the image of Guyana that we want to portray, particularly where it concerns religious people,” the President told reporters yesterday at the opening of the new East La Penitence Health Centre (A US$330,000 Gift from the United States of America)”.
The question is – how can a country be receiving a gift from another country and on the other hand some of that country’s citizens involved in religious activities be “rounded up and detained fo a lengthy period” over a matter that could have been addressed in an amicable manner. Therefore, is the Guyana’s President not stopping short of an apology here for the bungling of the immigration issues involving the Mormons by the Guyanese Immigration and Police Officials?
Shouldn’t Rohee be fired? Or resign?
K GOLD this is what he was taught in russia, also i think
it was usd.35,000 not usd 330,000.00 that would have build
a massive modern health center in guyana..
KG
In their quest to spread their good faith, the Mormons broke the law… If an Islamic or Hindu religious group from Guyana were to venture to the US and brake their immigration laws or other, I think the outcome would be treated with more seriousness. “Law is law” all should obey them.
““Law is law” all should obey them.”
Yep! So, did any of administrations following that of the late L. F. S. Burnham receive a two-thirds parliamentary/constitutional vote to:
1. To Deny Guyanese living overseas to vote at elections in
Guyana from where ever they reside.
2. To be eligible to run for the Office of President of the
Cooperative Republic of Guyana you must have 7 years of
continuous residence in Guyana.
3. To mash up the Cooperative Financial Administration.
4. Allow Clico to invest (overseas) more than an amount of
their holdings as prescribed by Guyana’s laws.
5. To be involved in extra-judicial killing of persons.
6. To marginalize a certain section of the Guyanese community
both socially and economically.
And, just perhaps the latter (inter alia) being the current focus of the Mormon Group in Guyana.
And, you get “legal breakdown drift” where Guyana is concerned.
Hey “RodRick (Dis is one bias newspaper)”! Here is a challenge to the so-called political leaders in Guyana and you – Have all Guyanese residing overseas vote at General Elections in Guyana and let the world see what the results would be; and, then we all can come back here and talk about the “Law is law”. Just don”t them voting with their barrels and remittances only!
One of the more intelligent positions taken by the President. I give him credit.
Michael ! Exactly what is intelligent about the President’s statement. The fact is that 50 missionaries were rounded up in the night and taken to the Police station. That’s right, 50 missionaries, with words like ‘espionage’ being tossed around. How intelligent can the President be ? Now he comes out a week later to make a silly comment. The damage has already been done. All over the world, missionaries ,of every kind , have knowledge of the incident and the blogs.
Jagdoe knows exactly what he is doing the story is out in the full open now that the reason these people were rounded up was because the PPP felt they were associating with the PHENC and as a result that was PPP retribution.
Trust me anyone with half a brain would know how petty this guvament is and believe me when people say they are surprised why people do not go and protest with witter and lewis it is no surprise to me and many others who know the political arena in GY. People are terrified of retribution from this government.
Finally quite a few business people have woken up and realized that continuing to do business with the PPP as is would be disastrous and they are willing to help with driving that change.
The people of Guyana are slowly waking up to the realities of the PPP. When we voted for the PPP we didn’t for for burhame 2.0 but apparently and sadly that is what we have here.
Why don’t you wake up and make some sense Samaroo,,,this entire comment is full of trash,,,Is the President interfering with any protestors??? The President made it clear that guyana is a free country,,,You can hold a placard and go with lewis and benschop and protest as well, it is a free country,,,when you are finished you acuse the President of being a dictator,well dictator does not tolerate protests,, reading through your lines I think you have some envy for the President..
Re: “Jagdeo knows exactly what he is doing the story is out in the full open now that the reason these people were rounded up was because the PPP felt they were associating with the PHENC and as a result that was PPP retribution…”
How about if we called it some “political muscle flexing”!
oh yea cack eye samaroo wid all your different names here you ought to know at all times what your all fee cee party is doing too…tell us about pepper sacue nah….
tell us how yuh all fee cee afc party ah get money fuh do all dem nice tings dem ah do in guyana..come on cack eye lets hear it loud and clear from yuh….
Samaroo, these brainless comments of yours are getting to be more stupid by day.I think you are losing it.I thought you to be a man of intelligence, but apparently you are not living up to it.Your politicizing of every issue shows you to be a political tool and a dumb one a that.Blogers are now sick of your nonsense.Your blogs do not count.Basically, do all of us a favor and get your myopic comments to another site.
Jaggy,you are crumbling under pressure again.Stand up for the laws of the land….the mental damage these mormons are doing to your ppl is far greater than their handout.
The Amerindiands are an easy target for this group and their culture is being eroded faster than global warming.
witchy boy/girl is only now you know that yr party is
crumbling under pressure hahahahahaha u late…
That’s very true Doc! On one hand, the Gov’t has given the Amerindians a chance to broadly celebrate, share and exhibit their culture but on the other, some foreign groups are being allowed to strip it off of them. The same is happening in main stream Guyana especially among the poor. Many who seek financial or medical help or just the basic necessities from some churches and missionaries end up being converted to another religion. I wonder if thats the price people have to pay to get a little help? Same goes for Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Excellent observation Witch Dr.
I am with you on this.