While a nation must take measures to control its borders from illegal entries, given the seriousness of security threat, authorities must be fair and compassionate. Simply rounding up illegal Guyanese as has been done in Barbados and Trinidad and deporting them is unacceptable.

What these governments are doing is targeting Guyanese which is discriminatory and inhumane and a violation of protocols of CARICOM. Trinidad is being a little more considerate than Barbados by allowing illegal Guyanese some time to remain in the island to settle their “personal affairs” and leave. What is needed is a uniform policy on immigration. Guyanese, many of whom are illegal throughout the Caribbean, are not taking away peoples jobs; they do jobs that most others don’t want. And most Guyanese are not trouble makers as guests in other territories. The trouble makers should be targeted and not those who live quietly and work hard contributing to the development of their host countries.

With regards to other issues, the leaders need to address the Honduran coup, the economic crisis in the region, deportees from North America, tourism, intra-regional trade, cricket, and health issues, among others
VISHNU BISRAM