Dear Editor,
I came on the 10:30 pm BW 0483 flight on February 10, 2008, from Miami, Florida with three pieces of luggage- two checked-in pieces and one carry-on.
In those bags were personal effects including three watches and perfumes and colognes for my wife and son- bought especially for Valentine’s Day. Also included were pieces of clothing bought for myself and family in the Dominican Republic (where I previously visited on this trip) and Miami.
There were also a few pieces of small items for my home and a few toys for my son. There was nothing electrical or electronic, the usual dutiable items as known to me.
When I retrieved my two suitcases from the conveyor at the airport, I noticed that the padlock from one was removed and I immediately brought this to the attention of a very helpful attendant. I was advised to file a complaint with Caribbean Airlines operators of the flight on which I came, should I find anything missing.
I told the attendant I consider this a waste of time and even if something was missing, it would not be anything expensive since I did not purchase any such items.
It was already after 11 pm when I retrieved my suitcases and proceeded to the Customs exit, not in the least anticipating the ordeal that awaited me.
The female Customs Officer manning the Green Line (Nothing to Declare) took my customs slip and asked the usual questions. I told her that all I had with me were personal effects and the few pieces of home items which included two screw drivers, a small pipe wrench, a small tool box, a small tools organizer and a few other very small items.
She, nevertheless, requested me to open the three pieces of luggage which I did. Having examined all three suitcases she told me I had dutiable items and referred me to another officer- a male- at another point of exit (Red Line).
That was when my nightmare started and the officer even threatened to “lock you up for the night” when I raised my voice in protest at being singled out for special treatment.
I told the officer whatever I had in my possession was for personal consumption and not for resale. Also these items were not in commercial quantities. Surely, he would have recognized that as he went through item after item.
The guy even looked at me and said I will have to pay duty on the chain around my neck as well as my cell phone and wristwatch on my hand- items which I travelled with from Guyana. I entered and exited the US and the Dominican Republic with these very items on me without being questioned. But, in my own country, it was different. In a very harsh tone of voice he also told me that the few pieces of new clothing I brought with me were also dutiable.
I told the customs officer that while I had no problem paying duties on any so-called dutiable items in my possession then all the luggage of all the passengers who came on the flight should have been checked and duties paid where applicable.
I was advised that at no time is a 100% check carried out on passengers arriving here.
I raised my voice in protest because of the following.
On the said flight with me from Miami was a Georgetown businessman in company with a senior customs officer who, together, checked-in at least six large suitcases in Miami. Not to mention the hand pieces. Both gentlemen travelled with the same vehicle in Miami as I was there when they arrived at the Miami International Airport. I was there when they checked-in at the Caribbean Airlines counter. And I was there at Cheddi Jagan Airport when they both exited.
It is obvious that they had in their possession goods in commercial quantities for resale in Guyana at the businessman’s stores. Logically, I find it difficult to believe that those suitcases contained non-dutiable personal effects alone.
Yet, these two gentlemen exited via the Green Line (Nothing to Declare) and were smilingly waved on by the very female customs officer.
For me, I paid my dues and left the airport after midnight.
However, as is now the norm, the customs cashier is never able to provide you with any change when you pay your duty.
My unsavoury experience at the airport, however small, is reflective of a bigger situation which causes unease in any society. Such distasteful situations cause one to rethink remaining in one’s country. I believe I am a patriot and choose to remain in my country and help in its development. I vow not to allow this experience to run me out of my country but rather to stay and fight, however small, for my country’s betterment.
What has happened to the cameras at the airport? These can be used to monitor the numbers of suitcases exiting via the Green Line and identifying the accompanying passengers. I wish to ask Mr. Khurshid Sattaur of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to roll back the cameras (hopefully they are working) and see his “little lords” in operation. He will probably see the harassment I went through. Some honest person in authority must monitor the exit of incoming passengers on every flight through the Red and Green Lines.
It is difficult for me to place these impolite officers in the context of a budding tourism industry and of course foreign investment, the latter of which was the reason for my journey overseas. Had I been a tourist what would have been my impressions?
Yours faithfully,
Mahadeo Panchu
