Reconsider expulsion decision

Sep 07, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,

It appears that some seems to be thrilled and excited with the approach taken by the authorities in having the US Mormons expelled for simply overstaying their time in Guyana. Is this enforced law subjected to all other foreign nationals who might still be here with no extension?

I hope if the US Immigration embarks on a similar approach by tracking down and locate illegal Guyanese and have them returned to their home soil, we are prepared to continue to be thrilled and excited.

My take on this issue is that there is no evidence of illegal behaviour practiced by the Mormons and a simple issue of overstaying could have been dealt with by paying a fine for breaking the law or amnesty could have played a role. We didn’t need to go to that harsh level of expulsion because it’s public’s knowledge that they are here for so many years executing humanitarian and religious work. As a matter of fact, they have been guests of Hoyte, Cheddi and Janet’s administration.

I also wonder why is it that all those in favour of the expulsion never protested or lobbied from the initial stages or just after in having the Mormons expelled.

I believe that it was once reported that the Minister of Health is a naturalised citizen of the US and even carries a US passport. I am now wondering since there is only an accusation of his involvement with the Roger Khan’s saga that his US status might now be under review with the US Immigration Law and the expulsion of the Mormons might be in response. (Just a theory)

The sector I am so sad for is none other than the Tourism Industry.

Shiv Maharaj, PHD, you went to the extreme of highlighting and educating the public on the conditions which the Mormons usually operate under in the US and I had a laugh when you focused on polygamous behaviour. Are you absolutely sure that such practice is illegal in Guyana?

Within the Muslim world, a man is allowed to have more than one spouse and can father as many children as he could with the spouses because it is also common knowledge that it is a normal practice accepted by the faith.

I wonder if you or anyone else would dare go on a quest and condemn the Muslim World on polygamous behaviour and make your face public. I would dare you or anyone else with such a quest to start somewhere in the Arab location.

I believe that time is still available for the authorities to reconsider its decision on the expulsion of the Mormons and failing to reach an amicable approach could also see government officials and their immediate family members’ visa status comes on review. (Once again, just a theory)

T. Pemberton