President calls for processing of EU Schengen visas here in three months

Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Dr Fernando Ponz Cantó (left) with President Irfaan Ali yesterday. (Office of the President photo)

Expressing exasperation, President Irfaan Ali yesterday urged that the European Union (EU) put arrangements in place in three months for Guyanese to be able to access Schengen visas here for travel to Europe rather than having to go to neighbouring Suriname.

Speaking at the launch of the EU/Guyana Chamber of Commerce at the Bel Air Springs residence of the EU Ambassador, the President pointed to the urgency for the ease of travel between Guyana and Schengen countries.

“It is not a luxury for the EU anymore to take their time and grant us that facility. I think that the EU must understand that it is in their strategic interest to have that facility here in Guyana, within the next three months. And we have to find where we can get it done within the next three months; which embassy is in a position to get it done in the next three months, what you want us to do to help you to get it done in the next three months and get it done,” Ali said.