Upholding Guyanese hospitality: a call for vigilance and firm action

Dear Editor,
Our Guyanese hospitality has long been a defining feature of our national identity. As a people, we possess a deep cultural instinct for kindness, generosity, and warmth. We pride ourselves on our ability to make others feel welcome, respected, and such valued qualities are admired by visitors from across the world.
This tradition is not merely a social custom; it is an expression of who we are as a people. Yet, as our society becomes increasingly interconnected and diverse, this very generosity is at risk of being exploited.
The most recent incident, involving an alleged pastor of the Universal Church in Georgetown, who verbally attacked a tax-paying Guyanese citizen in the most vulgar and angry manner over an “alleged parking space”, which is not his, demands sober reflection. The public has witnessed not only a shocking display of arrogance, vulgarity and anger, but also behaviour wholly inconsistent with the conduct expected of someone, “a pastor”, claiming moral or spiritual leadership. The Mayor of Georgetown has already clarified that no private individual or institution holds authority to restrict public access to a public roadway, yet the aggression continued. Such disregard for our laws, public spaces, and fellow Guyanese citizens or otherwise cannot be taken lightly.
Further, what is equally unfortunate is that this case is not isolated. It has been alleged that across our society, be it at restaurants, supermarkets, or various business establishments, there have been reports of similar instances where foreigners display contemptuous, disrespectful, or dismissive behaviour toward Guyanese people. While many who come to our shores contribute positively to our economy and social fabric, the emergence of such troubling displays signals a growing problem that must not be ignored.
Most would agree that our Guyanese hospitality and kindness must never be mistaken for weakness. Our kindness is rooted in respect, and that respect must be reciprocated. Foreign nationals who choose to live, work, worship, or invest in Guyana are welcomed into our society that is built on coexistence, tolerance, and cultural pride. However, it must be understood that this welcome comes with responsibilities, chief among them being upholding our laws and treating our citizens with respect and dignity.
Allowing abusive or arrogant behaviour to go unchecked risks normalising such actions that can erode our continued efforts for social and national cohesion.
If such conduct is permitted to proliferate, it may grow into a much larger problem, one capable of undermining public trust, disturbing community relations, and breeding resentment within the population.
A society that values hospitality must also value accountability.
It is therefore imperative that we all, as Guyanese citizens, community leaders, public officials, and institutions, remain vigilant. We must not allow unacceptable behaviour to take root through silence or passive tolerance. Instead, we must promote a culture in which respect for our country, our people, and its laws is non-negotiable. It is in this regard we must demand firm enforcement of our laws. The relevant authorities must ensure that public order, the laws, community standards, and municipal regulations are applied fairly and consistently to all residents, regardless of nationality or position.
There should be a collective public condemnation of abusive conduct by civil society; religious bodies and community leaders must openly reject behaviours that violate our societal norms or undermine our national dignity.
Equally, I believe those who come to our country to live or work should receive proper guidance on cultural expectations, legal responsibilities, and the values of mutual respect that underpin our social fabric.
All of our people should feel confident and supported when reporting mistreatment or discrimination, and that it will be treated with the importance it requires. No one should fear retaliation for standing up for their rights.
Our Guyanese hospitality is one of our greatest assets, cherished and promoted by our people, and it is admired regionally and internationally. It is the ingredient that helps to strengthen our tourism sector, supports our economy, and enriches the daily lives of those who call this country home. But like all values worth preserving, it must be protected through deliberate and intentional action.
We must never allow individual incidents of disrespect to define our interactions or set new norms. Instead, let these moments serve as reminders of the importance of safeguarding our culture and insisting on mutual respect.
Guyana will remain a welcoming country, but we are not a nation to be disrespected. Our hospitality is a gift, not an invitation for abuse. Through vigilance, unity, and a firm response, we can ensure that our society remains warm and open-hearted, while also strong, dignified, and self-respecting.

Yours respectfully,
Jermaine Figueira
Former Member of Parliament