Dear Editor,
I was extremely moved and impressed with the presentations done by staffers of the United States Embassy to students of various schools in Guyana for International Education Week (IEW).
I always believed that the United States of America is the most humane and generous country around. That is a nation built on human understanding and good will. That is a nation of laws and excellent leadership. I firmly believe in its justice and, yes, mercy.
There may be periods of trouble or with particular leadership which may temporarily create confusion about the humanity of America, and which may even damage the economy of the United States and the world, but these leaders are always replaced, and new righteous ones repair the damage and rebuild the economy again. For example, in recent times we saw President Bill Clinton and now a great benefactor to America and humanity, President Obama, whose presidency is a prophecy that had to be fulfilled in my opinion.
The President of the United States in March spoke of the importance of educational exchanges as a means to promote mutual understanding and respect, according to the press report. The report went on to say: “IEW gives us all an opportunity to answer Obama’s call to demonstrate the benefits of exchanges.”
But sometimes certain staffers could confuse the President’s aim and cause some to lose respect for the United States when they make decisions which may be based on enthusiasm. Thrice a brilliant, most decent and qualified student was given visas to do the medical prep and exam, but according to the Dean he and the others were not fully ready for the USMLE. The wonderful young man returned in time before his last visa expired. When he took his last prep exam, called the MBME, the Dean sanctioned it, and sent a letter for the USMLE exam. Monies were paid, books, vehicle and an apartment were there in the US, all paid for and being paid for, but despite getting a visa thrice, they refused it when it was needed the most. The suspicion was that he maybe worked washing dishes or pumping gas, when his family had invested nearly US$200,000. He went again, and again, and was refused because of the same suspicion.
In my opinion this smacks of an insult to the US President’s policy of international integration and respect. Everything humanly possible was offered, including leaving a bond, being accompanied by US relatives, or having an appointed security service in the US just so he could write the exam, but still they refused. I honestly believe that the officer made a serious error, but we would never disrespect him or the United States. But I did say that mankind must never lose mercy. It is a great gift of God to his creation. I just ask, if I was to write the President of the US – or he knew of this – or Mrs Clinton, what would they say? I believe they would be disappointed. Three visas and he always returned on time, and at the moment when he was ready for the examination the application was refused, and three times too. Why? Destiny? Karma? … let us take comfort in that.
I applaud President Obama for his vision and understanding of internationalism and humanity. I salute him.
Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan