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Passports
not 'marked'
Published on: 7/5/2009.
by TRACY MOORE
in Georgetown, Guyana
GUYANA'S IMMIGRATION OFFICE has confirmed that Guyanese who have been deported from Barbados do not have their passports marked against them.
Prime Minister David Thompson had stated last week in a Press conference in Guyana that Barbados' Immigration Department avoided stamping passports with deportation orders to avoid negative or permanent marks against the person being deported.
At the time, Thompson said: "It is clear that we asked people to leave voluntarily. It is in their interest to do so because their passport is not stamped and therefore do not have to apply for the lifting of the deportation order.
"So there may be people who have been asked to return here after having been asked to leave who interpret that as being deportation - or the authorities here may interpret that as being deportation," he said.
Free to travel
But Guyana's Chief Immigration Officer Henry Greene, who is also Commissioner of Police, advised that those who have been sent back were free to travel again and even return to Barbados.
Speaking to the SUNDAY SUN in Georgetown Guyana, he said: "Their passports do not have the red stamp marked 'deported', so what we do is check to see how they left the country (Guyana).
"If it was legally, which most of them do leave Guyana legally, based on that, and in keeping with our laws, the deportee is not prevented from travelling again and can travel at any time. They can go back to Barbados," he said.
Greene said many of those who were deported were skilled workers, with only immigration offences, "[but Government] has nothing set up to assist them socially or economically."
He said there had been some discussion with the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) to establish a pilot project that would provide special service for deportees to Guyana, Jamaica, and Haiti; but that was targeting those returning from the United States only.
Similar talks
In addition, similar talks had been held with the Canadian High Commission for deportees from Canada; but nothing has been discussed for those deported from within the region, he said.
Thompson said he was prepared to consider a more structured approach to the re-admission of overstays, whether through protocol or memorandum of understanding with the Guyana government.
He also disclosed that he was prepared to look carefully at a guest worker programme in areas where the labour market might justify it in the future while looking at establishing a formal mechanism for regular consultations and information exchange between Barbados' and Guyana's Chief Immigration Officers and senior personnel.
Misrepresented
Meanwhile, the Guyanese Chief Immigration Office/Chief of Police Office held steadfastly that the numbers and treatment quoted by the Barbados Government were misrepresented.
"There were more than four deportees returned from Barbados in the last month. We are the receiving country and those deported from Barbados came with a note from the stewards on board the flight.
"This month (June) 24 Guyanese were deported from Barbados," Greene charged, holding an Immigration document.
His assistant Commissioner of Police Seelall Persuad said when a deportee was returned to Guyana, they were taken to headquarters and interviewed. This is how they were made aware of any ill-treatment, legal breaches, or if wanted for any offences before and after leaving Guyana.
"Records are made. If any of those are involved in any serious crimes, then they are monitored but a large number of deportees [coming from Barbados] only committed immigration offences; so we do not monitor," he said.
l tracymoore@nationnews.com
30 comment found!
Passports not Marked : 7/6/2009
I think that if the government is targeting non-nationals, the emphasis should not be limited to Guyanese alone. There are several other Caribbean people who are in the island illegally. This attitude towards one nationality does nothing for goodwill amongst the people in the caribbean. The individualistic attitude will only hurt the comradary between Heads of Governments. I think that the situation was handled badly. As a Caribbean person, it saddens me that in the year 2009, we are still at loggerheads with each other. Come on, we all know that Barbadians do not want to do certain jobs, what is the problem if a Caribbean brother or sister do that job.
Passports not marked : 7/5/2009
If you feel that folks should be able to live wherever and when ever you are living in a dream world. Then you will say that people should not pay taxes, or rent,or buy food or clothes and the list can continue . There were laws in the land back then. You cannot just walk into another man's land just like that. Would you like someone to come on your poperty and take over,pick you fruits and moved into your home? You can talk to you turn blue the Law is the Law. If you do not like what is going on stop the world and get off. I would advice you if you are not legal where you are please do so as soon as possible,before you too get deport,or you might have to make a dash for it. Brooklyn NY!!
Nice : 7/5/2009
You all obviously don't get it. That is why Mr. Prime Minister can say they were only 4 people deported will Mr. President was saying the number is in the 50s. If the passports are not stamped deported then they cannot claim that they were but all of the while the immigration issue is being dealt with. David is crafty.
Victor : 7/5/2009
For your information, Guyana is NOT an island.
Miss. Dash in Florida : 7/5/2009
Hello Ms.Dash,Why don`t you send for a few dozen of the Guyanese and put them in your place. If I read you correctly what is your`s is their`s because we soon will be all gone.I`ll bet that you have you status in order or you don`t leave the US and when return tell the immigration officers that this is your God given right to go and come as you please. Brooklyn.
big island, big mistake : 7/5/2009
Victor, at least in Guyana Geography is taught. Guyana is not an island.Maybe Barbados should recruit a few more Guyanese teachers,and we might not have seen such a big mistake.
GUYANESE WOMAN : 7/5/2009
WE NEED TO STOP BEING SO SELFISH AND LEARN TO LOVE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS MORE THIS WORLD BELONGS TO GOD,BAJANS ARE VERY SELF CENTERED,BUT WE LOVE YOU ALL.
passport not marked : 7/5/2009
the guyanese that got sent home can come back as domestic worker and get afree pass .
Passports not marked 'deported' . : 7/5/2009
We have not treated the illegal immigrants harshly , yet we are wrongfully accused of ill-treating guyanese . The policy of Managed Migration must be the way to go in order to know how many immigrants are in Barbados . I would like to suggest that the government of Guyana should least to Barbados for 100 years , 200 sq. miles of their country . This is not new because the govt of Guyana leased land to Jim Jones and Cuba leased 110 sq. kilometres of the province of Guamtanamo to the USA at a "pepper-corn" rate for 99 years . The govt of Guyana is not capable of managing the 83,000 sq. miles , adequately . A joint public/private sector venture which could have enormous potentials for investors and guyanese would get work in their country . Just another futuristic idea and food for thought .
whay a load of crap : 7/5/2009
why barbadians have to be always appologising to guyanese, well let me tell you all something immigration, do your work, it is because of you that this happening and i will be on the look out for all guyanese who shacking up in any old house near me, they live 10 in a room, and i will be calling immigration to do they work, these people bring all kinds of diseases and bad habits our island, so it is time that we stop the nonsense and pay attention to who living nextdoor. bajans are still being deported from the USA, ricky singh, we dont owe you anything how long you have been in barbados? You dont think it is time to go home and help you economy? i am sure you have learnt much here. BAJAN 100%
passports not marked : 7/5/2009
WHAT TYPE OF NONSENSE IS THIS?IN NORTH AMERICA YOUR PASSPORT IS STAMPED DEPORTED AND YOU HAVE NO SAY ABOUT IT ,THE GOV. SHOULD CHANGE THEIR POLICY ABOUT THIS AND GET SERIOUS IF NOT THE COUNTRY WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY ILLEGALS IT IS ALREADY OVER POPULATED IN BARBADOS.
Deportees : 7/5/2009
Victor, you're obviously and idiot; Guyana is not an island. And there is nothing remarkable about an official holding dual portfolios, check right in Bim. Bajan, their passports aren't stamped because it's not considered deportation and it is not restricted to Guyanese. It's a provision extended to Caricom nationals who are returned to their homelands for non-criminal offences. It's all in keeping with the spirit of Caricom but some folks just don't get that.
Passports not marked : 7/5/2009
Miss Dash in Florida,a very noble gesture on your part, but in the real world it is not that simple.I am quite sure if you were not born in USA, you were also required to present the relavent documents before landing in Florida. If you are not a "Resident Alien"or Citizen, then you are illegal in that country.
Passports not marked : 7/5/2009
MR. BAJAN TO THE BONE please comprehen what you read. If people leave voluntarily when asked their passport will not be stamp. There is a difference when leaving a country voluntarily and being deported. Please know the difference.
No Marks : 7/5/2009
My only concern is when they go home and change their names, get new passports and return to Barbados. I personally know two Guyanese that did this a few years ago. Thankfully they decided to leave and retun home on their own will. Maybe we should consider a visa with fingerprints to protect us from the criminals.
passport not marked : 7/5/2009
THIS IS GOD'S WORLD AND NOT MAN. GOD IS COMING SOON PEOPLE STOP FIGHT ABOUT DEPORTATION AND LIVE FOR CHRIST SO WE ALL COULD HAVE A CHANCE TO LIVE IN THE OTHER WORLD TO COME THAT DONT HAVE SIN AND EVERY BODY WOULD LIVE IN PEACE AND LOVE,AND WE CANT COMPARE THOSE NORTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES WITH THE CARIBBEAN COUNTRY MOST OF THESE PEOPLE CAME HER TO WORK AND NOT BUT LANDS BOTHER WITH THEM CAME HERE TO BUY OUT THE BEST LANDS AND U KNOW WHAT I AM TLKING ABOUT LISTEN GOD IS COMING SOOM U SEE WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD TODAY."PEACE BROTHERS AND SISTERS".
TO MARK OR NOT TO MARK : 7/5/2009
I sometimes wonder if the only country in the caribbean with immigration problems is Barbados. Perhaps the other countries are failing to recognize, just ignoring that there are illegals whithin their borders, or Barbados is so sweet that it is attracting everyone. Let us be honest with ourselves, all countries must protect their borders, letting in those that are worthy, willing to come in and give allegience to their host countries' laws, and deporting those that violate these laws (over-staying, or illegal entry). It is hope that the Government of Barbados will clarify and be consistent spelling out what is, and is not with policies that are fair to all regardless of country of origin including whether to stamp or not to stamp. Records of those deported regardless of reasons should be made public knowledge because laws were broken. Investigations of mistreatment by public officials on anyone regardless of country of origin should not be ignored, and those (public officials) found guilty should be prosecuted. Two wrongs do not make a right. Lets treat our guests the way we want our hosts to treat us.
Passports not marked : 7/5/2009
How come Guyanese can leave with a clean passport and with such thought given to their image yet Guyanese resident Sir Shridat Ramphal who would rather live in Barbados than the country of his birth call the effort by Barbadians to manage illegal migrants as "Ethnic cleansing" Is he saying Barbados is like Rawanda and that Barbados has no right to ask Indians who are breaking barbados law to get their act together or leave? Sir Shridath is an enemy to Barbados and should be asked to leave if he is prepared to damage the image of Barbados in such a way . He will no doubt be making diplomatic manouvers unknown to Barbados.This is so dangerous and wicked. David
Passports not marked : 7/5/2009
At the recent Caricom meeting the heads agreed now agree that domestic workers will fall under the CSME. this proposal came from the Guyanese President. This means that those who leave Barbados without having their passports marked will just return to Barbados legitimately as domestic workers and nothing can be done to stop them. Guyana has found a way to legally export its residents insted of keeping them at home. Who is a domestic worker? All the legal Guyanese will import their many domestic workers from Guyana. they will now have domestic for the dog the cat , th yard, the house , the laundry , the baby , the car and to help them with the shopping and companion. They will establish domestic agencies and offer Barbadians domestic labour at little or no cost just to facilitate their entry and stay in Barbados. Guyana has been cited in the US drug report for its narco trafficking activities. Any and everyone can and will be a domestic . Barbados need to get tougher on these aliens who are seeking to bully their way whilst bad mouthing this country and trying to bring shame on it. Brent
: 7/5/2009
Our population is about 300,000 and rising. When this Immigration exercise is completed, the next census would be interesting. I wonder about the duplication of bajan names at Electoral Office, QEH, Schools and even Immigration Department's passport section. I think the time has come for me to say that know of an incident where a Guyanese working as a Domestic ' borrowed' (without permission) birth certificates from her employer's home and brought her children her on them. I am sure there are others. Just last summer my sister was heavily scrutined at the US Immigration because they discovered a duplicate Barbados passport. Luckily she was able and their investigation confirmed her to be the authentic holder of that passport. People need to secure their documents. Public offices like the Registry must be vigilant.
: 7/5/2009
I wonder if Tracy asked the Guyana Commissioner of Police to show her the immigration document he was waving in his hand. I think the COP was not telling the truth. Remember this is the same man whose USA visa was taken away by the USA Embassy in Guyana and continues to refuse investigating the Guyana government association with USA drug accused Roger Khan. He has no credibilty Tracy, you should have checked the paper he was waving at you.
Passport not marked : 7/5/2009
Well if this journalist could find the truth with regards to the difference in deportation and removal why the Guyanese President keep playing on the emotions of everyone. This is is same ploy happening in Guyana after they finish making statements and creating the neccessary impact then when the truth comes out the damage already done. Guyana should be collaborating with Barbados to see how they could keep their people at home to aid in the country's development insted of fighting Barbados to keep them. If Guyana government cannot take care of their people then Guyanese should do something about that. Lies and distortions comming from the President of Guyana right down to the illegal workers and many who are ashamedly jaundiced in their views. Go Barbados! Debra
Passport Not Marked! : 7/5/2009
Bajans, the Guyana Government cuss you people out so much that you are now running to defend your laws. This is ludicrous. In Guyana the PPP discriminates against your African brothers and sisters. The PP but only make noise now because they think Thompson immigration policy will negatively affect Indians who they want to stay on the island illegally. Thompson got trick. He coming home agreeing with Jagdeo to have domestic workers as a new skilled category that can move freely througout the region come January 2010. Watch and see what will happen to your country. Crime, drugs, corruption and racial strife will become a way of life in your country
Passports not Marked : 7/5/2009
Look this situation is really getting out of hand.. It’s evident that Barbados is trying its best to be as fair and humane as it can be, with Caribbean nationals who are found to have broken our laws by over staying they authorized time. It amazes me that Barbados is not even stamping those persons pass ports who leave willingly when they are caught. What Guyana's government needs to do is stop playing politics with this situation, stop making the issue Barbados Immigration policy, in hope that it diverts attention from the reality of life in Guyana, and the government inability to improve it, especially now in this economically challenging time. Guyana should really focus on why so many of its nationals are leaving Guyana and refusing to return home, whether Barbados take Guyanese or not, Guyana's problem will still be an issue for whoever takes over there government, and Barbados immigration policy did not cause it. Barbados has the right to control its borders like any other country in the world.. I am not against Guyanese coming to Barbados to holiday, work or live, what challenges me is if they do it illegally and are caught and asked to leave. Why is that an issue? There is a process, it’s called our law, and it has to respected, followed and enforced, if its broken perpetrators must be dealt with. Prime Minister David Thompson .. I support you 100% .. Do what has to be done..
: 7/5/2009
JUST GOES TO SHOW!!. SO WHY ARE THEY CRUCIFYING US THE WAY THEY ARE?
Passport not marked : 7/5/2009
My dear Bajan to the Bone, if we had stamped DEPORTED in all of those passports belonging to Guyanese who were deported , we would not have had the recent situation in Guyana where the President of Guyana indirectly called our Prime Minister a liar, because Barbados and Guyana figures did not tally up.
Gods World : 7/5/2009
Ms Dash in Florida, tell that to the people in Israel who have been given that land directly by God,or so they claim. As far as I know no one can get pass Ben Gurion Airport without the necessary documents.Even in the Vatican where Italy is being condemned for its stance on undocumented immigrants,illegal immigrants cannot dare enter the Vatican. This is the REAL world
Passports not Marked : 7/5/2009
Ha Ha!! Ha Ha!! For such a big island what a big job "Chief Immigration Office/Chief Police Office" two jobs in one, Ha Ha Ha!!! no wonder the Guyanese are running away.
Passport not marked : 7/5/2009
This is God's world and not man. The earth is the Lord's the fullness there of.God made this earth and we are his people. People should be able to live wheresoever they want to live in peace. I do not care what kind of nationality you are , we are God's people and we should be happy here on earth. People all, God is coming soon and we need to wake up and live right and be united with each other. life is too short. We have to go and leave this earth and we cannot tell no Uhaul truck to bring it along with us when we die. Stop the depotation and lets live in harmony. If a person do wrong, then let them do the time because when they go back to where they came from and know no one there then the inocent people there have to suffer.Pray one for each other.
Passports not marked! : 7/5/2009
It is so unfair ,Guyanese being deported from Barbados do not have a mark in their passports,and can return to Bim in the near future what kind of balony is this. Barbadians that have been deported from other countries especially the USA are not as lucky,why is the Barbados Goverment so scared of these other countries and always seems to have to give an explanation for their actions . We are always trying to be the nice guys and where is that getting us ?All our banks are being managed by other countires.Do not ever forget the calypso Calalou verses Cou- cou. BAJAN TO THE BONE!
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