The Ministry of Home Affairs Immigration Support Services department yesterday said it officially welcomed 34 new citizens from various countries who have gained Guyanese citizenship through registration and naturalization.
The ceremony, a release noted, was attended by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Head of Immigration Support Services, Michelle Davis, and Jessica Bacchus from the Citizenship Section.
In the release, Benn expressed his delight in welcoming the new citizens to Guyana, highlighting Guyana’s positive growth and development prospects. “We have six different races, various mixtures, and Indigenous communities that retain much of their language and culture. Welcoming new citizens allows us to deepen our multicultural experience and broaden our collective understanding as a people”, he said.
Benn emphasized the importance of immigration to Guyana’s development, stating, “Guyana does not have the population size to develop as rapidly as we desire. Our immigration policy, operationalized by our services, ensures a thorough process for granting citizenship. We are thrilled to welcome you, especially now as our President Irfaan Ali and the Government advocate for ‘One Guyana,’ aiming to enhance our diversity.”
Benn, according to the release, encouraged the new citizens to contribute their knowledge, expertise, and resources to the nation’s progress. “We are in need of skilled individuals, and there is much to learn from other countries. Your decision to join us at this critical point in our development is greatly appreciated,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ally emphasized the responsibilities accompanying citizenship, urging the new citizens to be active and engaged members of society, uphold the laws, and contribute to the nation’s development. The release said that the ministry congratulated the new citizens and looked forward to their valuable contributions to the growth and prosperity of Guyana.
The ministry usually does not identify the countries that the new citizens are from.
