Dear Editor,
I travelled to Guyana from JFK early last month to conduct a survey relating to the local government elections and contemporary issues. At the passport control desk, after the immigration officer processed my information, she announced secondary screening; she mentioned something to some other immigration officer. It was not clear why I needed secondary screening. Subsequently, after retrieving my belongings from the baggage belt and proceeding to customs, my bags were thoroughly checked. I had no dutiable goods — no electronics, no commercial items. I was asked who the traditional Indian garments in the luggage belonged to and what I would do with them? I could not make sense of the questions. I was told I had to pay duty. I told the customs officer I would leave the items in storage and take them back with me when I leave the country. I did not observe anyone else’s luggage being so thoroughly inspected. The officer allowed me to leave with my belongings after I spoke with a supervisor and indicated I did not like the questions. I did have some items to donate to orphanages and charitable organisations.
When I departed Guyana, my belongings were again subjected to a thorough search by CANU.
Was I targeted because of my activism, political commentaries and or critique of politicians?
A few years ago political activist David Hinds complained that his belongings were searched when he was leaving Guyana. He claimed he was targeted. He offered no evidence to substantiate his claim. Was I targeted? I believe Hinds’ experience was a case of CANU officers seeing something in the X-ray as all bags are/were X-rayed and wanting to do spot checking. I believe the same happened with regards to me (CANU search) when I was departing. But was it a coincidence that the immigration officer requested a secondary screening and my bags were thoroughly checked and emptied on the counter. What purpose was served from such a detailed search and at whose direction? Does anyone really believe I bring items to sell in Guyana or that I am a threat to the state that I needed secondary screening.
Guyanese should be free to enter and leave the country without having to worry at being harassed and intimidated at the airport. Overseas-based political activists and commentators should not have to be worried that they are being targeted when they visit their homeland. I wonder what is David Hinds’ view about my experience.
Yours faithfully
Vishnu Bisram
