Dear Editor,
Please allow me to highlight an unsavoury habit that is being practised by a few foreign missions in Guyana, namely, the sponsorship of events such as American Independence Day and Canada Day celebrations by local entities.
Local businesses are already placed in a state of sponsor fatigue by the Government of Guyana’s jubilee contribution requests, which, like the USA and Canadian requests must be difficult to turn down. Guyanese still view the loss of a visa with the same trepidation as the amputation of a limb. This practice should not be furthered and cannot be viewed as acceptable by the wider diplomatic community; local business sponsorship and charity are the lifeblood of sporting organizations, community projects and charitable organizations in Guyana. To deprive these worthy organizations for a fête at the Marriott or a soiree in the High Commissioner’s backyard for the well fed, is irresponsible; both of these countries are among the top ten wealthiest nations on earth, and surely they can afford their own hors d’oeuvres.
I would ask these and all other foreign missions to consider carefully all of the implications and ramifications such actions have on the image and reputation of their countries.
Yours faithfully,
Robin Singh
