We should use our diplomatic channels to be included in the EU visa-exempt status

Feb 23, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

We should use our diplomatic channels to be included in the EU visa exempt status. St Lucia and St Kitts & Nevis are two of the Caribbean countries that enjoy a visa exemption from the European Union (EU) to travel within their Schengen countries. The citizens of these two Caribbean islands require only a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity prior to travelling.
Guyana is now becoming an emerging nation in the oil and gas sector with a global recognition which we should use to facilitate the free movement of our people in order to further the goals of our nation. A visa exempt status with the EU will allow our entrepreneurs a hassle-free access to the businesses in Europe that will want to invest in Guyana and form partnerships.
It will also allow more goods and services to be exported from Guyana to the EU and reciprocally for goods and services to be imported from EU to Guyana. Visa exemption will encourage Guyanese to vacation in Europe which has a lot of historical sites that are the bedrock of European civilization. It can also be used to develop Guyana as a tourist destination for Europeans which will also mean more airline connections.
Using our diplomatic channels to access this visa exempt status with the EU will greatly enhance our development and prestige among nations.
Yours truly,
Reggie Bhagwandin