The Parrot, like many others, is squawking about the recent decision pertaining to the Mormons. These guys, the Mormons that is, seemed ubiquitous in this our dear land. They were all over doing “their thing” as is referred to colloquially. The Parrot envies their energy levels. These Mormons are always either walking or riding over long distances. They do this rather rapidly. Travelling along a major thoroughfare, they are seen. Miles later, they are still seen. And miles much later, still seen; with an untiring look. One wonders how they do this, decked in shirt and tie, walking or riding whether rain or shine. They are a beacon of fitness. According to what is known about their reason for their presence here and in many other countries, they are missionaries; doing the Lord’s work. This, from what I understand, is both spiritual and humanitarian. Commendable. Admirable. No one known to me has any qualms about anyone engaging in such work. This is common across the globe and involves many organisations.

Locally, the Sisters of Mercy, the Mother Theresa Foundation (not too sure about the exact name), the Hare Krishna Movement and many other such groups have been operating for years. The Parrot has never heard of their representatives being asked to leave on the grounds that they would have overstayed their time granted. This is a sovereign country with rules and regulations like any other. Our citizens are subjected to such rules when visiting other countries. Despite the much talked about CARICOM, Guyanese are still being profiled by some Regional countries.

A few days ago, it was reported that Antigua is withholding passports of Guyanese children when they arrive with their parents in that country. This is being done by a “sister”; a term used to exemplify the cordiality in relations between Guyana and other CARICOM members. Free movement is supposed to be an integral part of this Regional group. If, with all the talk of a single market and economy, some Regional countries can profile us, then what countries outside this group would do needs no further explanation.

Guyanese and other nationals who are found to have overstayed their welcome in North America, are promptly deported. Not only are they deported, in many cases they are held in detention centres; a fancy terminology for a prison-like accommodation. The point is that the law must be adhered to in any country. Those locals who would have overstayed their time granted in other countries are guilty of breaking immigration laws. Every country has the right to apply such laws. The Parrot believes that because Guyana is branded by some as a country in which departure to other lands is high, some are of the view that laws pertaining to deportation from here are not in the statutes.

This is far from the truth. This country has such laws like the USA, Canada, England and other preferred destinations. By extension, law enforcement here is free to apply them whenever necessary. What must be noted is that in the case of the Mormons, they are not being held in detention centres and they are not being deported as some led (misled) the nation to believe. They have been given an extended period of a month to leave by their own free will! Further, based on information revealed pertaining to the many years that they have operated here, they have repeatedly overstayed their time.

No one, including Missionaries, is permitted to break our immigration laws. Some would even posit that Missionaries, regardless of their denomination, would not be the ones expected to break such laws. The authorities, having acted on the defaulters, are being castigated by some politicians and some media operatives. Why? Are the castigators supporting the breaking of laws? It is known that some do. But are they telling the nation that it is OK for these foreigners to break our laws while our people face the brunt of law enforcement in other countries?

When the authorities do not act in a timely manner, they face the brunt of the wrath of these same politicians and media operatives. How can these said castigators show such “two-faceness”? Why worry, this is what they do all the time; the castigators that is. The law is the law. Everyone, locals and foreigners, must abide, including the castigators. What they should question is what really transpired in Jonestown over three decades ago. Were immigration laws enforced then? We all witnessed the aftermath of that horrific and embarrassing tragedy of which Guyana is known for in parts of the world.

Are the detractors happy with such branding? Maybe if they were to be subjected to the brunt of immigration laws of other countries, their “tune” would change. Guyanese should “tune out” from their “transmission”. Squawk! Squawk!