Dear Editor,
Let me advise the Guyanese people who I love and care about to not waste your hard earned money because of UK visa free travel, for our citizens, to come here between November 9 and April ending next year. You will be sorely disappointed. You must be forewarned that this country’s cost of living has skyrocketed and people are feeling the crunch like never before.
This winter is forecasted to be the coldest to the point where the government will have to subsidise energy for citizens not to die from the cold winter. You will be coming to a bleak, wet and agonising period where there is nothing much to see, do or spend on. The Guyanese people must not be tricked in boosting any struggling First World economy especially when the visa is a visitor’s one without the right to work. The UK is not the US where you would easily find a cash in hand job or go to a warm state and buy goods to return and sell.
What is there for Guyanese to enjoy from November 9 in the UK? There is hardship here like we have never seen before. People are losing jobs, travel in London has become almost unaffordable, small businesses are closing at an alarming rate. Night clubs, pubs, West Indian food shops and barbershops are decreasing daily. Even if you have your own transportation, driving into central London is nigh on impossible because of the exorbitant Congestion Charge. Imagine huddling in subzero temperatures in an open top tour bus to see Big Ben and other sites.
Summer time can be different and once properly planned you can enjoy the beauty of London and all it has to offer. People’s spirits are lifted and dark moods disappear. If you have families and friends here, they will be more accommodating.
Sincerely,
Norman Browne
Social and Political Activist
