IT is only natural that citizens who have departed their homelands for other climes, would return to their place of origin; whether in the short, medium, or long term, this is quite common all over the world. Guyana is no exception to this tradition, since virtually in every home there is at least a relative, that is known to have left Guyana for varying periods of time, and for whatever reason. The fact of the matter is that there is no place like home; home sweet home.

This is a truism that has been borne out on countless occasions by the many friends and families who have been returning to good old Guyana; for, after all, this is home. Whether it is for a holiday of whatever duration, for a family event such as a wedding, funeral, settling of family affairs, and the increasingly popular family reunions – Guyanese do return home, at phases of their domicile overseas. To mention also is the category that comes home to assess prospects for business, with the intention of returning for residency. In this category, are persons of varying ages.
But as the national experience has been, many of these returnees have had nightmare re-introductions to the country of their birth. Some have been beaten and robbed of all their possessions, en route to their place of stay, or their homes; others have been pounced on immediately and shortly after their arrival, and even after spending a good portion of their time. There was even a fatality arising some time ago, on the Corentyne.
Glendon Cadogan, an 83 year-old Guyanese-British pensioner, became the latest victim of this very rude, brutal, and shocking welcome by criminal elements, who almost killed the aged British citizen of fifty years, by shooting him five times. It was not stated if this was his first visit since leaving these shores so long ago. But undoubtedly, the motive, as in all the other known reported cases, seems to have been robbery, since he was relieved of his back pack, with all of his possessions.
No amount of condemnatory description can be made, following all those prior, to describe such an act. Any citizen returning to their homeland, should not expect such a home-coming, that will strip him/her, along with family, whichever the case, of hard earned possessions, and even suffering serious bodily harm, as in the case of Mr. Cadogan. Such is indeed traumatic, as in the case of the latter and in even all the other instances, since they would have experienced the unexpected.
Surely, this does not augur well for Guyana as a country, especially with so much being done by Government to effect transformative changes, that not only has brought about positive changes in Guyana’s socio-economic life, but which are also intended to attract the attention of the Diaspora. Many, pleased with the new Guyana being created, responded by returning to live and invest, thus aiding in the development of their country.
The perpetrators of these dastardly criminal acts are in effect undermining our country, by their predatory behaviour which surely labels Guyana with an undeserving understanding.
There are several theories as to this type of criminal phenomenon, ranging from criminals in collusion with some airport staff, and even relatives. These are questions that are best dealt with by our Law Enforcement Agency, as they have the capacity to determine the answers. However, suffice it to say as to what kind of planning mechanism that is behind such a serious criminality, it is time that a determined strategy be compiled by all the relevant agencies so as to combat this menace. Such, we believe, will have to begin to examine the processing of arrivals at Timehri, and the arrangements that family/friends make to receive their party, inclusive of transportation from the point of arrival, and place of abode.
If it is indeed a case of collusion, then it must be broken and those found responsible, dealt with condignly. After all, our fellow Guyanese, returning home for whatever reason, should be spared the horror of this prevalent criminal practice; so too should those visiting for the first time.