AS this editorial was being written, fresh efforts were underway to resolve the problems and misunderstandings that have arisen from the failure by foreign members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, better known as Mormons, to comply with Guyana’s immigration laws in relation to extension of stay and the securing of work permits.

Amid distortions of the Guyana Government’s position in this matter, the opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), mired as it is currently in internal conflicts, rushed to condemn the government for its handling of the matter in a quest for cheap publicity.

The United States Embassy in Georgetown also found itself denying that it had anything to do with a report, as claimed in a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to the effect that fifty missionaries of the Mormon faith had been ordered to leave Guyana and that some had engaged in “espionage activities”.  

In its statement last Thursday, following a meeting at the request of President Bharrat Jagdeo, at which were present Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, and two senior representatives of the Church, the Ministry of Home Affairs had dismissed a report as “purportedly originating” from the U.S. Embassy that falsely claimed that the Mormon missionaries were asked to leave because of “espionage activities”.  

The embassy has since made it clear that it had issued no such false reports and that its communications with the government relating to the Mormon missionaries, have been “official and diplomatic, and as such private and diplomatic…”  

For its part, the Ministry of Home Affairs has stressed that its sole interest in the matter was ensuring compliance with the laws of Guyana by all visitors seeking extensions to stay or in obtaining work permits. 

The local colleagues and representatives of the Mormon missionaries should be aware that Guyana cannot vary the provisions of its immigration regulations for any individual visitor or group of visitors, even if they are missionaries of any religious denomination, from the USA or else.

Nor should Guyana expect other sovereign states to expediently vary their immigration laws to facilitate non-nationals who have failed to comply with the relevant immigration regulations.

Therefore, those who opportunistically seek to distort the government’s enforcement of the laws as they also apply to the Mormons, need to better inform themselves of the history and details of this particular case.

In its statement on September 3, the Ministry of Home Affairs had offered the following explanation: 

“On June 10, 2009, the Church submitted a list indicating that it has sixty six persons attached to the organisation. The letter also requested work permits and extension of stay for the 66 persons, of which 50 had overstayed, while the whereabouts of 13 were unclear and three had valid work permits…”  

Question is why those in the organisation responsible for the presence and activities of the Mormon missionaries in Guyana, should have been so lax, if not really careless, in doing what’s right by making the appropriate applications, at the relevant time, for either extension of stay or work permits, or both? 

Guyana is known beyond the Caribbean region for its liberal immigration policy and unwavering commitment to freedom of religion. Its government, therefore, cannot be pushed into a position that comprises the integrity of its Immigration Act. 

The zealous workers and missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints are to be found in various member countries of the Caribbean Community. They would also have had to confirm to required immigration regulations in those states. 

At this stage, while efforts are continuing with a view to resolving the controversy, we would withhold further comment.