By Abdool A. Aziz
AT age 35, he had reached Quintessential Level economically and socially. Now that his ego agitated him to seek life abroad, he applied for a US visa but was denied. He didn’t show interest in Canada where he would end up eventually. He visited a few Caribbean islands. Too limited for his expectation, he decided on Venezuela. And through some covert contact got a ‘Backdoor’ transmute VISA (Work Permit)

RED CARPET WELCOME
Quickly he boarded a flight at Piarco to Simon Bolivar International Airport. There he received a warm welcome – Professa Du Engleesh! In the 70’s this republic next to us welcomed Guyanese especially skilled ones, and the professor felt great at the Spanish reception. He would see their other side later. He spent the weekend touring Caracas, he loved this metropolis. So bright, busy with the gas guzzlers and the high rises. A regular modern city.

THE REJECTION
One Monday he hurried down to an American Institute, they needed English teachers, but he wasn’t hired. He was versed in English, poor on Spanish. They needed both, he was inflated. He spent a few days looking for work. The ignorance of Spanish blocked his bids. Low on funds, he decided to return home. He would try some other destination.

BLACK CARPET EXIT
Though disappointed, he was eager to return home. He boldly exited the taxi and headed to immigration this time, there was no smiling senor but a stern senorita. She had one look at his passport and snapped in Spanish: “Que Solvenciar”.

The professor looked bewildered. She shouted “Solvencia!” The professor panicked, she signalled to two guards (well-armed) to take the professor away. He was dragged into an office. The pretty senorita spoke `good English. She explained he had to present a Solvencia (Tax Exit). That is necessary when you hold a work permit. To get a work permit you must provide proof of a valid job approved by the immigration authorities.

The officer believed this procedure was followed, it was not. The professor went through the ‘Backdoor’ and now it was time for the ‘Backlash’. He tried to explain he didn’t work. The officer pressed a button and guards arrested the distraught man and dashed him in a holding cell. He spent the night starving and sleeping on the concrete floor.

THE LET-DOWN
The next morning he faced a senior officer. He again pleaded his case and mentioned the name of the Minister of the Interior. The officer said, “You know my boss?”
“Yes, we had lunch together,” the professor said.
“Okay, I’ll call him, if he can verify you didn’t work, you’ll be free to go.”
The call was made. There was communication in deep Spanish, then he put the phone down, got up and said angrily, “You lie Guyanese – my boss says he doesn’t know you.” The professor was floored. It was true with a shameful letdown.

CONSULATE TO THE RESCUE
Locked up all weekend, the professor was released on Monday to go to his consulate and seek help. The staff did their best to help and through the Ministry of Hacienda, got the tax exit. No more ‘Backdoor’ approach. Advice: Do the right thing. The Professor is now a Canadian citizen.