THERE has been much controversy over the illegal immigrants in Barbados but the newspapers reasoned that “confrontation is not an option”, and that” we need to talk to each other urgently.”

But disputes between nations with respect to their immigrants are known to exist for generations on end and are not easily resolved, as no true patriot, lover of nation, people and country would concede away their rights.

The world today lives by diplomacy and discussions for the solution of problems, and it is hoped that the diplomats of these two countries would, with the help of other Caribbean nations, achieve an understanding and a peaceful solution to the controversy. If a confrontation should take place, not only would the governments themselves be involved but the two peoples and their respective allies will have to come to grips on a matter which is amenable to peaceful resolution.

In confrontation and wars of words the hate, bitterness and untold hardship encountered among those involved in the conflict continues for generations. It is hoped that diplomacy will triumph over the undocumented immigrants of the Caribbean in this cause.

I am extremely disappointed that Barbados Prime Minister Mr. David Thompson will throw out Caribbean undocumented nationals who have lived less than 11 years in the country. Reports state that the authorities have been targeting the residences of a particular Guyanese race at nights under the guise of picking up suspected illegal immigrants. It is clear that the handling of the main issue in the whole matter seemed to have been confused by the free movement of nationals in the CARICOM agreement and bungled from its very inception, building up into frustration, with no one discovering a sound bridge on which both sides could cross and reach a settlement satisfactory to the two nations for sometime, there is peace in the atmosphere and at other times antagonism to the point of vituperative abuse.

Let there be sunshine on both sides; and if ever the sunshine should be equal on all sides, the curtain will be no more. I suggest there should an environment of tranquility and of goodwill on both sides. In these circumstances a great deal of responsibility rests upon the leaders of both nations to avert the crisis of confrontation which looms ahead. In order for this to be achieved they should face the issue squarely and come to grips with it in a dispassionate manner and find a solution satisfactory to both sides.
MOHAMED KHAN