Guyanese have a long-standing reputation as a very hospitable people. Almost every foreigner who has visited our shores speaks in glowing terms about the ‘Guyanese hospitality’ and, as a result, expresses a desire to return.
We have always welcomed foreigners to our country with open arms. In fact, one of the first acts of our revered late President Dr Cheddi Jagan following his victory at the October 5, 1992 elections was to pardon a Nigerian national who was illegal in the country and grant him citizenship.
In recent years, we have seen a large influx of foreigners to our country, not only as visitors but as investors in industry and business and commerce. This is a gross contrast to those days of economic hardships and shortages of every conceivable food and consumer items, as well as building materials and fuel.
We are currently witnessing a heavy influx of Chinese who have helped to transform our business and commerce landscape. We have also witnessed a large influx of Brazilians who have invested heavily in the mining sector and, to a lesser extent, in business and commerce.
So we are witnessing a situation where we still have a large number of our people leaving our shores but at the same time we have a large number of people coming to our shores. And in a liberalisation where the world is increasingly becoming a global village the movement of people throughout the world is becoming a noticeable phenomenon.
However, a most unfortunate development was the recent attempt by some in our midst to whip up anti-foreigner sentiments directed at a particular ethnic group and actually incite hatred against this group to foster their wicked and narrow political agenda.
On this note it was a fine gesture by President Donald Ramotar to assure foreigners living in Guyana that his government intends to make their stay in Guyana as comfortable and hassle free as possible, but they were reminded of the need to respect the country’s statutes and laws.
He promised to investigate and remove all obstacles to the ‘open immigration policy’, as well as sounding a reminder  of the obligation of every foreigner or employer of foreigners to regularise their status, failing which they will be at the mercy of immigration authorities.
President Ramotar, addressing a large turnout at a specially organised  meeting by the Home Affairs Ministry with non-nationals and foreigners, urged that they abide by the law and conduct legitimate businesses as the government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeks to minimise delays regarding immigrations issues.
The President said the authorities will have zero tolerance with anyone who gets involved in illegal activities and he urged those attending the meeting on Monday not to break the laws of Guyana since government is fighting the narcotics trade while seeking to cooperate with neighbouring countries.
Indeed, that is how it should be because drug trafficking is one of the scourges that is destroying many societies.
Guyana is a large country geographically and has been under-populated for a very long time now. Therefore, we have the space and the need for more skilled labour with a booming construction industry and expansion of many industries. Therefore, we would welcome an influx of foreigners to our country but as the President cautioned they must observe our labour laws and do not become involved in illegal and criminal activities.