The need for enhanced screening of illegal immigrants in Guyana

Dear Editor,
In the wake of the recent Mobil gas station bombing that sent shockwaves throughout the country and raised serious concerns about national security, the issue of illegal immigration and national safety has now reached the level of public discourse.
Calls for enhanced security measures are intensifying, and among the suggested solutions is the need to screen the many persons who are illegally in Guyana at this time and in the foreseeable future. The bombing that injured innocent civilians and caused significant property damage understandably caused the citizenry to feel vulnerable and exposed to danger.
To address this concern about their personal safety and the security of the state, I therefore wish to make a formal request for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to screen illegal immigrants by not only collecting their fingerprints and other biometric data but also by recording their personal information in a central database, accessible to law enforcement instantly.
In other words, illegal immigrants who do not leave the country on their own would have their presence in Guyana documented and recorded, thus enabling the police to track them for any unwanted or undesirable activities and enhancing national security.
The current call for screening illegal immigrants is a request born out of national security concerns in light of the recent bombing; however, recognising the inalienable rights of these illegal immigrants who contribute to the economy and perform certain types of labour that advance Guyana, key stakeholders would do well to treat these persons humanely, respecting their rights and affording them opportunities to become legal residents when possible.
For the screening to take place, the Government has to provide policies and even some guidelines about their strategy for dealing with these persons who live in the shadows for one reason or another. Persons who could be deported must be educated and assisted in determining if they are eligible for opportunities that the Government might provide, should they decide to remain in Guyana.
The bombing and the general feeling of insecurity that this incident has spawned throughout the country have exposed the need for the state to address the issue of immigration and national security more expediently.
In other words, screening illegal immigrants, coupled with a host of other measures such as fingerprints, will significantly calm the fears of citizens and help the police prevent future bombings and acts of violence in our society.
This process will require the Government, law enforcement agencies, and the citizenry to work together in this complex yet very serious and critical aspect of modern-day Guyana.

Yours sincerely,
Philip Inshanally