With the huge numbers of Guyanese in America, more than the population in Guyana, with the large numbers of Guyanese who worked without permits (during periodic six month visits on tourist visas), with the desire of almost every Guyanese to migrate to USA, and with President Trump announcing that he will deport the thousands of undocumented Guyanese, and with USA being relied upon to protect democracy in Guyana, wouldn’t it make sense for Guyana to be ‘incorporated’ into USA. It is also not forgotten that USA was involved in eliminating perceived threats to democracy in 1954, 1964, 1992, 2015, 2020 and may be called upon again later this year to ensure free and fair elections. Being tied to America will address all the preceding problems. Incorporation is loosely defined – a formal link that allows Guyanese to go back and forth to USA, permitting them to work without being sanctioned, qualify them for American naturalized citizenship, along the lines of the relationship USA has with American Samoa in the Pacific with Guyana retaining much of its ‘sovereignty’ or autonomy. Such a formal relationship or treaty tie up will protect Guyana from a perennial threat of invasion and seizure of our territory from a hostile western neighbor.
As perused in the media from commentators and from engagements, Guyanese have been complaining, among other things, about corruption, bad governance, and fear of governmental power (harassment, intimidation, cuss down, political murder, etc.) under all governments going back to 1966, save under the Jagan’s. A tie up with USA will remove all of the preceding concerns as American law and order and democratic system would prevail and eliminate the preceding worries. Democracy will flourish. Power will be devolved at the grass roots level. Communities will have their own budgets and run their own affairs and not having to depend on the generosity of the central government. The ethnic conflict between Indians and Africans and with or among other groups will also be neutralized.
Also, a formal tie up with USA will eliminate the need for a visa to come to USA. Every Guyanese, including the communists and those who ‘cuss’ USA, crave for an America visa. An American visa is a lifeline to a better life. It is no secret that tens of thousands of Guyanese use their tourist visas for short work stints in USA to earn desperately needed cash for various projects at home or even for economic survival. It is a fact that thousands of Guyanese (on visitor’s visa) visit the USA every year to do ‘a hustle’ (work a few weeks or months to ‘ketch’ their hand) and return home with a relatively good bounty to rehabilitate their home or improve the lives of their families. They have been known to live and work in fear of being caught and deported for visa violation; many repeat visitors have been known to be turned away at the airport, with visa cancellation and deportation. And under Trump’s new anti-immigrant policy, many would be turned away at the airport, visas cancelled, or given limited stays, making it almost impossible to work unless they overstay their ‘time’, resulting in visa cancellation and sanction and risk of immediate deportation. Also, American Consulate may be ordered to grant less tourist visas, making it impossible for many to realize their dream of visiting USA. A Guyanese link or association with America would remove the requirement for a visa to enter the great territory of and even to live in USA.
A more compelling reason to be associated with USA is defense of our territory against the designs of any neighbor and securing our democracy. Guyana has territorial controversy with all of her neighbors. Venezuela has been saber rattling over the last decade, threatening to take over nearly two thirds of Guyana. A formal treaty or territorial linkage with mighty USA would provide free protection to the Guyanese nation, removing the threat of being invaded.
President Trump, who is supported by half Guyanese Americans, is not likely to be averse to Guyana being incorporated into USA. His language speaks of expansion of American territorial ties with certain nations or assuming control (by treaty) over aspects of their territories – Canada, Greenland, Panama, Gaza, etc. It is a fact that all territories linked to USA enjoy a first world lifestyle – Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Guam, etc. Guyana has greater advantages and resources and as such President Trump may not be averse to a formal linkage with Guyana that possess; and he can quickly negotiate and sign a treaty and convince Congress to approve it. (Guyanese politicians would oppose such a linkage as it would take away their powers). Such an association with USA would avert the need to deport illegal or undocumented Guyanese on American soil and to require visas for Guyanese to come to America. Undocumented Guyanese there can now work legally, and more can join them in the American workforce without fear of being rounded up for deportation.
Guyanese are prized workers with American businesses preferring them over other groups. They will enjoy higher income with a minimum wage of about US$17 an hour plus time and a half overtime pay; skilled worked may get up US$50 an hour. Professionals would earn an excess of US $2,000 weekly and doctors and engineers up to US $250,000 annually. Guyanese wishing to join relatives up north will be able to travel easily. More American airlines will ply the route and fares under USA aviation rule with fares dropping to make frequent travel more affordable.
Guyanese will not be a burden to the US economy. They work hard and contribute more to the coffers than benefits received. Guyana itself will be an asset to USA with its enormous resources and geo-strategic location. Guyana’s population is very small, under 800,000 who the American economy can easily absorb. Guyana can serve an entry point to northern South America resulting in greater trade with Brazil. Also, the American presence in Guyana will help with the democratizing of Venezuela resulting in Venezuelans returning home to develop their oil rich nation.
Under American democratic credentials and influenced by its judicial system, Guyana will see an end to corruption and abuse of power by politicians of all stripes and from all parties. Most politicians will oppose this proposal because they will lose their power as political bosses. Fear of politicians will come to an end, and Guyanese will be free to express their viewpoints about politicians without concern of being sued or unjustly charged. Defamation and slander as in Guyana have a higher threshold point in the USA judicial system. People and proposals will be judged on merit rather than on association with ‘thieving’ politicians regardless of which party in government. Everyone will be equal and have to follow the same rules and regulations.
Overall, Guyanese life will be far better with a formal tie up with USA.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram