Dear Editor,
The rise in Guyanese’s concern about immigration levels is likely tied to the record numbers of Venezuelans coming to Guyana the past two years. In the next five years, the nation will experience an invasion of foreigners. And a majority of Guyanese will not be happy with the immigrants because they fear the immigrants will be taking their jobs. And this will lead to discrimination against immigrants. They fear the immigrants will outwork, outperform and outshine them. And this will lead to considerable competition and conflict between Guyanese and immigrants.
Editor, nowhere in the world the locals work harder than foreigners. I saw this in America, Iraq, Afghanistan and on the Cruise Lines the TCN employees work 12-16 hours per day, seven days a week. It’s a fact that immigrants are harder workers than locals. This fact always leads to problems between locals and foreigners all over the world and not just in Guyana. Editor, today the Venezuelans are being attacked and rejected by Guyanese. Tomorrow, it’ll be the Brazilians. Next it’ll be the Cubans and soon all immigrants will be treated badly, and they will be rejected. Sooner than later, Guyana will have a Trump like anti-immigrants policy.
Guyanese will be telling immigrants to “go back” to where they came from. You don’t think that could happen here in Guyana, wait, you will see. And remember that I predicted that this would happen; I feel fearful for the Venezuelans and other immigrants in Guyana. I feel fearful for children of immigrants. I feel fearful for immigrants. Editor, as a native of this country and an immigrant who lived in America, I’m appealing to the “better angels” of Guyanese’s nature, let us create a country where there is less hate for immigrants. One where we are able to bring people together and be more considerate of everyone’s circumstances.
Immigrants are not here to steal jobs, education, or add to this country’s problems. They come here starting from scratch in search of job security or education that will help get them on their feet. Native-born Guyanese should know more about the full story of the immigrant experience. Know that they are not different because of where they come from, but rather, they all seek a better life and equal opportunities that lead to happiness and peace. If we could all come to realize that, maybe this country would be a lot stronger as we all work on improving it together.
I would like to close with these words from the greatest President in America’s history, from the final paragraph of Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address: I am loath [hate] to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
Sincerely,
Anthony Pantlitz
