Heartening that most Guyanese with US non-immigrant visas returned

Dear Editor,

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Perry Holloway, has reportedly said (SN, July 7) that 7000 immigrant visas were issued and 72,000 applications for non-immigrant visas were processed last year. This is a significant number representing nearly ten per cent of the country’s population which has indicated an interest in visiting the United States.

What is particularly heartening to learn is the fact that an overwhelming majority of those who obtained non-immigrant visas to the United States returned home well within the stipulated time, which speaks well to the political and socio-economic health of our society. This is why it is so important that we preserve the democratic fabric of our country and accelerate the pace of economic development. There can be no doubt that we have come a long way since the days of authoritarian rule when Guyana was seen by the international community as a ‘pariah’ state.

The United States has the largest number of Guyanese, who for whatever reasons, departed the shores of Guyana and have started a new life in that country. The vast majority of them are doing well and in the process contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of their adopted homeland.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the United States on its 241st anniversary of independence.

Yours faithfully,

Hydar Ally