Dear Editor,
Much has been written on dual citizenship as a disqualification criteria to serve in parliament and as President/Prime Minister. Has anyone given thought on whether that law is constitutional or legal? It is also duplicitous.
Citizens of other countries can serve in our parliament and as President or Prime Minister. Citizens of other countries can naturalize and become eligible to serve in various elective and appointive offices. Why can’t a Guyanese born who acquired citizenship in another country return and be given the same equal opportunities? Clearly, the law discriminates against born Guyanese.
The law is also illegal in that it was never approved in a referendum. The Burnham constitution was never approved in a free and fair referendum. It is thus illegal making the dual citizen Article also illegal.
A question is raised on why Guyanese-born who acquire dual citizenship are disqualified from holding elective office. Do those living in Guyana feel they can’t compete with those who went abroad and became success stories? Those who hold dual citizenship contribute immensely to the development of Guyana. Many also played critical roles in the liberation of Guyana from the dictatorship (1966-92). Had the dual citizens not gotten involved in the freedom struggle, free and fair elections may not have returned to Guyana. That law on dual nationality must be deemed unconstitutional. Anyone who is a citizen of Guyana should be eligible to hold any office.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
