Dear Editor,
I have an Airbnb in Guyana and I host many Cubans. Cubans are some of the friendliest and most honest people on the planet. They will talk to anyone and everyone, and are generous with their time and money. Put simply, the people are what make Cuba special. If you want to understand the complex cultural fabric of Cuba, you must first start with its people.
After arriving at my apartment, you’ll see total strangers become instantly friends with guests from around the world, hanging out pretty much everywhere you go. They’re playing games, talking to neighbours, and peddling around on bicycles with strangers. The people are out and about, engaging with one another and the world around them. It’s the exact opposite of North Americans. Relationships with family and friends are prized above pretty much everything else.
As a host, this social dynamic offers me a unique opportunity to engage with the Cubans and learn about their culture. One of my favourite things to do with the Cubans is to take them to the supermarket and watch them shop. For most of them, it’s their first time shopping at a supermarket with so many food items. Their eyes opened big, big when they see apples, ice cream and chocolate. Grown adults are full of excitement like a little kid opening her presents on Christmas Day.
I remember having a similar experience when I went to America, and I saw a big, big cheese the government gave to us. That cheese must have weighed over 10 pounds. I never forgot walking around Walmart Supermarket totally amazed. I see that same shock and amazement when I take the Cubans shopping. It brings back memories.
Cubans are gregarious, friendly people. They will talk to just about anyone, and seem to spend the majority of their days in the company of others. Guyana is blessed and fortunate to have so many Cubans living in Guyana. Therefore, I’m encouraging the government to allow the Cubans unlimited access to Guyana and give them instant citizenship like the old American policy that gave Cubans who made it to America permanent residency. Put simply, every Cuban who enter Guyana should get residency immediately. All of Guyana would be better off with Cubans living here. Put differently Guyana needs Cubans more than Cubans needs Guyana
Sincerely,
Anthony Pantlitz