Dear Editor,
I have read carefully in the media, the Government’s announcement that Guyana has concluded an agreement to receive a limited number of skilled, non-criminal third-country deportees from the United States.[1]
My concern is not with helping people, nor am I opposed to Guyana being a hospitable nation. Guyanese people have always been known for our hospitality and willingness to help others. My concern is whether our country has the institutional capacity to properly manage and monitor this programme and live up to the responsibilities it is accepting.
The Government says IOM will cover the cost of receiving, housing and supporting these individuals.[2] That is welcomed. But the Government itself remains responsible for matters including admission, legal stay, protection and removal according to the media articles. So we must ask some very serious questions.
Do we have a proper state agency with the independence, professionalism and resources necessary to properly monitor and protect these individuals? At a time when there are serious concerns about political interference in our system, can we honestly say that the necessary safeguards are in place?
Our utilities are struggling to adequately provide reliable water and electricity to our own citizens. In communities across Guyana, people are still struggling with basic services. Are we confident that our systems have the capacity to take on additional responsibilities without further disadvantaging Guyanese?
We have a housing crisis affecting our own people. Young Guyanese are struggling to acquire homes, families are waiting for housing assistance, and many people cannot afford adequate accommodation. While I understand that IOM will finance housing under this programme, the broader question remains, why does our Government seem capable of finding arrangements for everyone except the Guyanese who elected it?
Our public service is already struggling to meet the needs of our own population. Our healthcare system has challenges. Our immigration system has challenges. Our security system has challenges. Our social services have challenges.
And yet, we are taking on additional international responsibilities. This is where my concern lies.
Guyanese are naturally hospitable people. We welcome people. We help people. We open our doors to people in need. But hospitality must not mean that Guyanese citizens become last in their own country.
Before the Government takes on more international obligations, I believe it must demonstrate that it can adequately provide for, protect and serve the people who already live here.
Government must therefore answer these questions: How many people will Guyana receive in total? Where exactly will they be housed? What mechanisms will be used to monitor them? Which Guyanese agencies will be responsible? What happens if someone violates the conditions of their stay? What independent oversight will exist? How will complaints be investigated? And most importantly, what safeguards are in place to ensure that political influence does not interfere with the administration of the programme? These are not unreasonable questions. They are responsible questions.
Guyana can be compassionate without being careless. We can be hospitable without neglecting our own citizens. We can cooperate internationally while insisting that our institutions are strong enough to protect the interests of everyone involved.
Help others, yes. But let us not continue creating a Guyana where everyone else gets priority while Guyanese are told to wait.
Our people deserve functioning systems, reliable utilities, adequate housing, efficient public services and a Government that puts their needs first.
Guyanese must not come last in Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P.
Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P.
References
Source
- Can Guyana manage US deportees properly? in Kiskadee Watch, September 6, 2026