Dear Editor,
In the post-slavery to pre-independence era Guyana provided employment opportunities for Barbadians. In the 21st century Barbados provides similar opportunities for Guyanese. Within recent years the relationship between Barbadians and Guyanese has been less than respectful or cordial. Dr Randy Persaud in a local newspaper has accused Barbados of an “unbelievable level of hatred against Guyanese in general and Indo-Guyanese in particular.” A local editorial refers to “Bajans’ disdain” for and ingratitude to Guyana that once offered Barbadians the opportunity for a “better life.”
The allegations shroud the legitimate concerns of Barbados. I do not think Barbadians could have lived, visited and worked in Guyana, and been allowed to flagrantly break the law, without facing Guyanese indignation and demands for the law to be enforced.
Tourism is the engine of growth in Barbados and continues to be the mainstay of the economy. Barbados is attractive to tourists and residents not only because of location, employment, acco-mmodation and hospitality, but also because of the adherence to the laws, good security, social services and infrastructure.
When Barbados’s laws are broken, including the immigration and employment laws, the authorities are expected to act against the violators. Barbados cannot be bullied, insulted, or cajoled into encouraging law-breakers, local or foreign. If laws are not enforced the island inevitably will descend into lawlessness and economic instability making it unattractive and unsafe for residents and visitors.
Though Guyanese work in various sectors, Barbados cannot condone those working and living in the country illegally. Giving the impression Barbadians are disdainful, neo-facist or racist avoids the real problem. Illegal workers are breaking the laws, undercutting income, paying no taxes and National Insurance, undermining the economy and burdening social services.
Yours faithfully,
Brian Alleyne
