-some opting to return home
Reports are being received of Guyanese being “stereotyped” on the “basis of their appearance”, Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Barbados, Norman Faria says.
In a release on Saturday, he said that Guyanese are worried following a recent statement by Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson on immigration policy changes and are reporting to their Consulate in the island. Faria said that his office has seen a “big jump” in telephone inquiries and walk-in traffic about the implications of the recently announced changes to the Barbados Immigration regulations by Prime Minister Thompson.
On May 5th, the PM told the Barbadian Parliament that Caribbean non-nationals living in Barbados illegally have up to June 1, 2009 to start turning themselves into the Immigration Department, or they will be “removed” from December 1 this year. This applies to all undocumented CARICOM nationals who entered Barbados prior to December 31, 2005 and remained undocumented for a period of eight years or more.
Faria said reports are being received of Guyanese being “stereotyped”, simply on the basis of their appearance. “Yes, it is natural that people are worried about their security and future. Guyanese are human just like Bajans in a similar situation overseas. Their Consulate is there to help and we offer assistance and counselling. It is really heart-breaking to hear of people being here for five and eight years, even more, and hear them making inquiries about whether they fall into the time frame as announced. Some have settled into their neighbourhoods with Bajan companions and friends. We do however have a remigrant programme and we provide information for those who wish to return to Guyana and contribute to the ongoing development and progress there. In fact, some of them are going back”, he said.
“Regrettably, there have been distressing reports that some Guyanese, simply on the basis of their appearance and who may have some form of status such as work permit or residency, are being singled out for attention in places like public transport vehicles. This is wrong and must be condemned. It goes against the grain of time honoured traditions of hospitality, tolerance and decent mindedness in Barbados”, he added.
Faria said that because of protocol restrictions, he could not speak pro or con regarding the Barbados government’s position and will be sending a “full” report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guyana. Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has been unavailable for comment on this matter and has not said anything on it despite the statement being made by Thompson on May 5th.
“I must say that the Consulate is also receiving inquiries from Bajans seeking advice about their Guyanese companions, loved ones and children born here and in Guyana. I have always said that there continues to be good and friendly relations between the Barbadian and Guyanese peoples and the governments over the years and it is my firm belief that right and proper choices that will further cement these long standing warm relations will be made during this challenging juncture for some Guyanese in Barbados”, Faria said.
He also said that the Consulate’s annual “Fun Day/Picnic” will have even more of a “Bajan connection” this year but more awards will be given this time to Bajans. The get together is being held at the Esplanade just outside the capital Bridgetown this Sunday and Prime Minister Thompson has been invited to present the Awards and say a few words.
Thompson in his address to Parliament had also said the conditions for regularisation would include:
• submission to immigration of an application for immigrant status together with all supporting documentation on the prescribed form before December 1
• the applicant’s ability to substantiate the claim that he or she has been residing in Barbados for at least eight years immediately prior to December 31, 2005 – specifically before January 1, 1998.
• the applicant must be currently employed and provide evidence of his or her employment status.
• the spouse or child of an employed applicant residing in Barbados with the applicant is eligible to apply under this new policy
• the applicant must pass through a security background check, and
• applicants with three or more dependents will be considered, but will not automatically qualify for status.