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Overstepping the bounds of protocol

Dec 15, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
In the government-owned and controlled newspaper of 4/12/10, Mr Jagdeo was reported as making the astonishing statement that Chinese nationals would be given three-year work permits and receive automatic citizenship after seven years.
This pronouncement is astonishing and unbelievable because (1) Such matters of citizenship are reciprocal and the Government of China must give Guyanese citizens the same facility.
President Jagdeo has not said one word about the Government of China reciprocating for Guyanese citizens and I can assure him that the Government of China would do nothing of the kind and that he will receive a nasty rebuff.
Indeed, when Hong Kong was handed over to China by Britain, it was only Chinese by race who were given citizenship and Hong Kong people of non-Chinese race, mainly Europeans and Indians, were debarred Chinese citizenship. We are awaiting President Jagdeo’s imminent announcement of the reciprocity.
(2)The citizenship Laws of Guyana are part of the Constitution and cannot be changed or tampered with willy-nilly by any President or other officials.
(3)CARICOM is moving towards having a common nationality and if Guyanese officials tamper with the citizenship Laws without other CARICAOM members agreeing, it will set back the process and cause real Guyanese citizens difficulties in free movement.
Barbados is bad but what is to follow would be worse and quite justifiably because of President Jagdeo’s strange action.
(4) President Jagdeo made the astonishing admission that he spoke with the President of Suriname about Chinese immigrant problems. Suriname does have Chinese immigrant problems as for example, paying income taxes.
Mr Jagdeo must understand that it is the Chinese Ambassador who must make such representations. For a President to take on a foreign Ambassador’s role, diminishes the status of the Office and is of questionable protocol.
Lastly, President Jagdeo made the admission that many Chinese are involved in illegal bribery and corruption activities with Guyanese officials. Jagdeo does not talk about prosecuting them and the corrupt officials; he talks about changing the citizenship laws!
What President Jagdeo should have promised is to deal with any corruption by Guyanese officials rather than to give the impression that he condones the corruption of the officials employed by his Government who would be allowed to exploit Guyanese and other citizens, but not Chinese. Before making such rash statements, he should have sought advice from the few capable Senior Foreign Service officers (including retired ones) who are still here.
Would the Opposition Parties not make any comment?
P. Ramlall

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