GUYANA REJECTS VENEZUELAN REFUGEES
Venezuela – Click to enlarge
It’s difficult to fathom why the extension of humanitarian generosity to Venezuelans fleeing the dictatorial excesses of Nicolas Madura’s accelerating civil war against his nation continues to be met with stiff resistance and more than just a modicum of ignorance by officials in Guyana, its bordering neighbor.
It would be instructive to note that Guyana was issued membership to the United Nations on September 26th 1966, shortly after it became an independent nation. By soliciting and accepting membership in that world body, Guyana gave both implicit and explicit consent to follow its tenets- the pertinent one here being Article 14 of its Declaration of Human Rights :everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
It was this very premise that allowed Guyana’s mass exodus to neighboring countries during its period of political turbulence; when staple food items were rationed and in many cases just not available because the country had maxed its credit line and had lost its credit worthiness during its oppressive its political leadership. READ MORE
Comments
Why is Guyana refusing refugees?
That is shameful. One day this gesture will possibly come back to haunt them.
I don’t think that at this juncture Guyana has the infrastructure nor economic capability to offer refuge to anyone. Coupled with the border dispute and the cussing that Guyana and its people have received from the Venezuela people themselves over the land dispute, most definitely is not a good combination which would allow Guyana or its people to embrace refugees from Venezuela.
Isn’t the U.S. a member of the United Nations? Here’s a country that’s supposed to be the most democratic and a super power refusing to take in refugees and have instituted laws to deport, and stop/ban immigration into their country.
I know everyone is excited about the large oil finds that’s happened in Guyana but you can’t count your chickens before they hatch. The money has not yet arrived that would allow the government to change its refugee decision for Venezuela. Guyana’s has to look after its own citizens first and right now they need a lot of looking after.
I realize that it is not Godly or decent to say what I am going to say but it is my opinion..
The Guyanese unfortunately have to resent the Venezuelans fleeing to GUYANA because many of the Venezuelans (especially the males) are robbers, killers, drug monsters and not trustworthy..
Believe me. I am a Guyanese (British Guianese) and have been here in Venezuela for over 59 years. I know the way they act and think. You cannot trust them.
I for one would like to return to my Guyana but my Guyanese passport expired last year and it is very dangerous now to make a trip to Caracas for renewal. Its not like old times.
Yes Guyana. Do not accept the Venezuelans unless you know them personally.That is my advice.
Damn. You been there for nearly 60 years. I don’t think robbers will want to come to Guyana because there’s nothing there to steal. If people need help you set up a screening centre to see who really needs help. You just don’t turn your back on people in a crisis. That is criminal behaviour.
@Linda:
Guyana’s health care is very poor that Guyanese have to travel to the USA and Canada for complicated surgeries involving the eyes, heart and liver. It would be a shame if the oil wealth in Guyana will be used for other purposes than to modernize health care and social services to uplift Guyanese standard of life.
Speaking of refugees, Trinidad also refuses refugees even though it’s technically the 3rd richest nation of the Americas. Recently, US President Donald Trump, leader of the most wealthiest and powerful nation in the world, indirectly refuse to accept refugees from “s—hole countries”. Racist.
Where you’re going to put them?
Venezuela did not reject Guyanese refugees fleeing from Burnham and his PNC racist government.
Why is Guyana now rejecting Venezuelan refugees in their time of need?
Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Ms Cheryl Miles says there are 250,000 Guyanese living in Venezuela! See http://guyanachronicle.com/2017/04/18/fleeing-hard-times-guyanese-living-in-venezuela-returning-home-cite-food-crisis-political-unrest
How would Guyana like it if Venezuela just deported all those Guyanese sheltering in their country?
@Hinduindianvoice……Venezuela could have afforded to be generous and take in Guyanese refugees as they were economically sound and had the infrastructure to accommodate the Guyanese refugees. You’re a prime example of a racist when you have the gall to mention Burnham. I guess you have on blinders when it comes to your Mahrajah’s reign of terror for 22 years. He was willing to hand over Guyana to the Venezuelans and I’m sure he was not going to do that for free. East Indians do not, never did, and never will, consider Guyana to be their homeland. It has always been just a place for them to accumulate wealth.
I don’t think Venezuela would have to deport any Guyanese back home as they will be returning by their own accord. I don’t know about you, or where you live, but in many conversations I’ve had with Guyanese abroad, they’re very optimistic about the country’s forward movement under this new administration. The only people who would be leaving Guyana now are the East Indians. Jagdeo recently made that statement referring to the letting go of the sugar factory workers. Make no mistake, these “unemployed” workers have the money to immigrate and resettle in other places. The only thing is that their new choice of the land of milk and honey is being run by Mr. Trump and he’s not going to let them in. Their reputation as a people known to do whatever it takes to get ahead precedes them.
@Ali….spoken like a true East Indian who is supposed to be a Guyanese. Guyana has nothing to steal you say? Guyana is a country filled with natural resources. Why do you think that the same Venezuela you want us to be compassionate towards wants to steal 2/3 of our country. You talk a lot of tripe. The thiefing up done went on under Jagdeo. Do you know the lifestyle that he and his croonies live in Guyana? Where did they get that money from? I didn’t think that politicians were paid that well to have accumulated the kind of wealth that the former PPP members of government now enjoy. They left the country bankrupt while their bank accounts swelled and are hidden outside the country….t You would think that the U.S, who for years have been at logger heads with Venezuela. would be glad to see that the country is now in shambles and be compassionate to the very people that they contributed to making refugees. But Mr. Trump is not going to do that. He’s all about America First and he doesn’t see these people as making America Great Again!!! Guyana has to look to its own first and then others when its in a better position to help. No point bringing in a load of people into your country when you’re trying to deal with your own load that also need help. Where’s the smarts in that???
“… spoken like a true East Indian…” Linda.
Why are you bringing race into the conversation? You should apologize for being so ignorant and inflammatory. The Editor should take you to task for this race baiting remark. I stand by by comment. What makes you think that Venezuelan robbers will pose at refugees? What is there to steal? If robbers want to come to Guyana they will simply walk over. They won’t pretend to be helpless. You are free to say what you want without injecting race. Be ashamed.
@Mark. Based on what I’ve read the government is in the process of upgrading the health care system in Guyana along with several other sectors that were neglected for 22 years. You can’t undo 22 years of neglect overnight but at least they’ve started the ball rolling. Once the oil money starts coming in the government will be able to do so much more in repairing the infrastructure of our beautiful country. Guyanese have to keep the faith that the country is on its way to becoming the best in the region and stop the criticism.
Thank you for your response Linda. I really hope that the first priority of the government would be for the oil revenues to assist with medical care and social services for Guyanese.
@ALi….let me enlighten you. My family is made up of every race that exist in Guyana, including East Indian, PLUS races from other countries in the world so the last thing I am is a racist. What bothers me with East Indians is that when Jagdeo was in power, there was never a peep out of East Indians criticizing the PPP government. Everything was tickety boo for that race of people but as soon as the APNU/AFC took over the government, there’s been so much criticism and mouthing off by East Indians, even going so far as to call Guyana a Shit Hole. Wasn’t it a Shit Hole when Jagdeo was in power? It’s bare eye pass, disrespect and YES, RACIST on the party of East Indians.
Guyana is now climbing out of the coma it’s been in for 22 years and need to focus on Guyana and it’s people. You’re the one that’s ignorant and inflammatory by saying that Guyana has nothing to steal. You’re a disgrace to your country and I have no apology to give to you nor anyone else for speaking the truth. If you’re offended that’s your problem not mine.
“Let me enlighten you “ Linda.
Anyone who who ignorantly injects race into public conversations is the one who needs to be enlightened. There’s a certain other woman – like you- who hates a certain group. I say both of you need to cure your illness.
Ali I do not hate any group. All I’m saying is why is it that when the PPP was in power the East Indian community said nothing about the atrocities, and there were awful atrocities done to persons of non-East Indian descent, and the fact also that the country was being neglected in every shape and form. Now that there’s been a change in government and for all intents and purposes it turns out to be a predominantly black party, all of a sudden there are a lot of East Indians popping out of the woodwork, running down the present government and making disparaging remarks about their country. Why is that? Can you answer me that question before you start calling me a racist. And please do not lump me in with any other person that you might dislike that posts on this Blog. You know nothing about me so don’t make your eyes pass me.
I have nothing more to add to this topic with you. I’ve said all I intend to say.
Ali! STOP! Sometimes the TRUTH hurts but the reality is, Guyana is VERY divided along the line of race and politics. So, until you all can stop defending the PPP for its divisive politics, this is the response you will get for defending bigotry. So Don’t cry UNCLE, because you initiated the exchange of words with the mention of the name Burnham, so stand up and face the Heat now that the kitchen has gotten hot.
Be a BIG boy!
Tata- You mad, girl? Show me proof where I mentioned the PPP or Burnham. I could care less about either. Go back to sleep. You make no sense.
BYE FELICIA!
Ali….I think Tata was referring to the article on the Sugar Factory workers when in one of your posts you talked about Burnham’s corrupt government.