Dear Editor,
I am bringing to your attention, the woes that people endure while they are in any neighbouring territory.
As a holder of a Guyana passport, which expired on April 22, 2013, I went to the consulate in Port of Spain to have a renewal/new-passport. Prior to this I had spoken to a member of staff, and had indicated my situation.
Over the phone I had explained that the passport had some empty pages, and I am a seaman by profession. In addition I have no other form of identification in my possession, and since I was under the control of the Trinidad &Tobago immigration authorities, I was given the assurance that I would be given a document. I was even told that I would be provided with a document to travel to Guyana. On arrival at the mission, it was something different. The fee for a new passport (Guyana (Caribbean Community)) is TT$505.00 = US$75.00+, when in Guyana the price is $4000.00= US$20.00. A Trinidad &Tobago passport costs half the price quoted, and for first-time holders the wait is two weeks. The last passport I had from the government (#0663700) was renewed twice. The first time was in Barbados, by Mr Faria, who came on board the ship in Bridgetown; and the second time was in the UK. This was done by the Guyana High Commission in London in 2002. This passport lasted for 15years, and stated your profession.
I have been waiting now for six weeks, when the consulate has certain protocols such as immunity, priority, etc, and there are flights twice daily between the two countries ‒ CAL being the flag-carrier for Guyana ‒ so why must I be without a passport that length of time?
I sent an e-mail to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I tried calling them, but the phone keeps ringing out or gives a busy-tone, and with no direct contact with Ms Rodrigues-Birkett or the Director General, I would appreciate it if someone could give me some answers or the matter can be passed to the relevant authorities.
Yours faithfully,
Earl W Browne
