WE CAN DO BETTER
Kaieteur News – The Diaspora continues to be an important composer. Although members of the Diaspora cannot vote in local elections, they certainly have earned the right to be involved in the country’s decision-making.
Foreign-based Guyanese can only enjoy that right provided they register. And while this requirement exempts many from having a direct voice in the election of local leaders, their inherent right is to participate in the affairs of this country.
This does not necessarily translate into a constitutional right to vote, but added to the contribution the Diaspora makes to the well-being of families at home, they can even be said to have achieved a moral right to have a say in the affairs of their country if this is limited to expressing their views on developments in their home country.
One of the criticisms made about comments from the Diaspora is that a ruling is usually passed on conditions in Guyana based on first world standards. It is a legitimate concern. However, enough historical memory exists in the Diaspora of the way it was years ago and so to moderate the views of those who, when they come home, tend to look down on social and living conditions.
Too many criticisms of conditions back home focus on living and social conditions. However, there is an equal need to focus on aspects that begin at the point of declining visitor – Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Without a doubt, the attitudes of the Immigration and Customs staff are much more friendly and professional but still a bit scary. A few smiles can make a big difference. People visiting the country do not need to feel nervous when approaching the authorities. But that gentle disturbance is among the experience and often the experience is that when someone tries to engage in friendly chitchat with the staff there is sometimes a less-than-warm response.
Guyana needs to foster a more visitor-friendly attitude, especially at the airport. In return, visitors do not need to abstain from locals and show respect to the authorities by following the procedures.
There are times, for example, when differences can flare up in relation to the way forms are filled. And many of those who get upset whenever told to refill their forms would not dare to argue back to an immigration officer or officer at JFK or Heathrow airports. But in Guyana, some feel that they should not be told to fully refill an incoming or outgoing form.
Attitude is important on both sides, including baggage handlers, who always seem to want to rush with the luggage while visitors try to greet their relatives. Perhaps a system could be introduced that would ensure that these baggage handlers or Red Caps as they are called, simply retrieve trolleys from the waiting area and car park rather than having the responsibility of ferrying your luggage all the way to your vehicle.
This is one area where Guyana may need to and can easily catch up with First World standards.
Guyanese always seem to be in a hurry. During the break between pubs at the National Stadium, there was a mad rush to reach the concession booths selling food and drinks under the stands. In one case a group of young schoolboys from England formed a line and waited for service at one such booth.
They were well organized and prepared to wait their turn. Except most others were not. Instead of forming a queue, people pushed and shoved their way to the counters while the young English schoolboys stood patiently waiting their turn.
However, it was a lot of fun and friendship otherwise and one hopes people will eventually appreciate that if a lot of people were waiting for a service that a well-organized line got much easier for everyone involved formed and everyone waited his turn. .
Migrant Guyanese learn to adapt when they go abroad. They generally do not try to jump queue, they are friendly with others and certainly do not remove their wrappers and napkins by dropping them under their chairs. Guyana, we can do better!
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.)