Dear Editor,
The issue of accepting third-country nationals is not an easy one to decide. On one hand, there is a legitimate concern that some deportees may have criminal backgrounds and could continue illegal activities in Guyana. These concerns should not be dismissed lightly.
On the other hand, Guyana is in need of both skilled and unskilled labour. There are foreigners who are willing to do jobs that many Guyanese are unwilling to do. A recent example comes from my own community. Not long ago, our area was severely flooded. I tried unsuccessfully to find Guyanese willing to clean the clogged drains because it was considered a dirty job. Two foreigners stepped forward, cleaned the drains, and helped prevent further flooding.
I also struggle with saying no to accepting foreigners because I myself was a foreigner for over 40 years. America accepted me. America gave me an opportunity. America gave me a second chance. America gave me a better life, and through that opportunity, I became successful.
If America was willing to give me an opportunity, how can I deny others the same chance? To do so would make me a hypocrite—grateful for the opportunity I received, yet unwilling to extend that opportunity to others.