Dear Editor,
There are more questions and now raging concerns about dual citizenship again. It has become a lightning rod of sorts following that fateful no-confidence vote on Friday, December 21st, with conflicting positions adopted by one side or the other. From my perspective, the issue is moot, at this particular point in the tempestuous political climate of this country. As someone who holds dual citizenship, I think I am in a solid, if not decent, position to share a thought or two on this matter.
Speaking for myself, it could, would, and should never come to that position or that place of servanthood where a decision has to be made for or against relinquishing what was obtained after a lengthy and grueling sacrifice. In the unlikely and extreme instance that the issue distills to such a point, then it is easy and straightforward for me: give up one; either the position or the citizenship. Voluntarily. If the local situation matters that much to me, then the citizenship goes; if it doesn’t, then my resignation is already signed and there on the desk. There is no need for me to put the leadership, or constituents, in an unwanted or untenable place. Further, there is no need for any higher deliberations to occur at any forum. That decision will not be outsourced or lateraled by me to another.
Now, while I laud the conscientious and (truly) patriotic for wanting to serve this dear land of Guyana, I think they have to be discerning as to how far is far and how high is too high. For after a certain point, it is clear that a necessary level and degree of allegiance is due; and one that can pose conflicts. It is a matter that has to be handled with sensitivity and firmness. What has been happening here in Guyana, is that dual citizenship enables the clever to have feet in separate boats and simultaneously. Stated differently, it is a fallback option that can come in handy. Well, it did recently and in the most jarring way. I think, also, that those of us who hold dual citizenship did pledge allegiance to that foreign flag, and all that is represented by that. Further, I believe that, strictly speaking, there would be philosophical and other concerns from up north with its naturalized (or native born) citizens serving in certain capacities in other countries, where allegiance is routinely pledged, expected, demanded and inferred simply by virtue of the office held. It is part of the territory; I would submit that being a legislator in parliament rises to such a crossroad and dilemma, where it has to be one or the other, and not both. Stay and relinquish; or give up and move on.
I believe that for too long this dual citizenship issue has been allowed to circle under the radar. It certainly was a public secret; maybe not even a secret; simply a wink and a nod. In fact, I remember that it was thought to be so widespread that there was a cartoon right here in Stabroek News that featured a diplomat addressing parliament that started with the following memorable words, “My fellow Americans….” This was supposed to be Guyana’s National Assembly. At the appropriate time in the near future, when the dust has settled and tempers are (hopefully) more benign, this must be addressed and forcefully. It has to be undone. Going forward, there has to be stricter scrutiny and across the board application of a consistent standard. This is sure to affect both major parties, which could each lose some stalwarts. I see this as: a) functioning as a purging purpose; and 2) clearing the way for those Guyanese who hold a single passport to be given the opportunity to step up. For those who may have immigration papers filed and pending, this amounts to decision time, as to which way it will be. The men and women from both sides have a few simple questions before them: which is more important to me? What kind of example do I/we wish to set? And why should I seek any special favour or treatment? This situation of having cake and eating it, too, should be discontinued. It has been had both ways for too long.
If I love Guyana and desire to serve its peoples diligently, and with my all, then it should be known what has to give. I think that is fair and reasonable. It is also patriotic and honourable.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
