Scorned by Immigration

THE EDITOR: I have been a Canadian citizen for forty-three years but I was born in Guyana and I love my Guyanese heritage. My husband was born in Trinidad and he is also a Canadian citizen. We always travel together with Canadian passports. I have been visiting Trinidad – a country I love – every three to four months for a maximum of ten to twelve days for the past twenty-four years with no problems.

On my most recent visit, I was interviewed by an immigration officer after my arrival at the airport. The officer questioned me about my visit but focused on the fact that I am a Guyanese. The officer said to me, “You are supposed to have a visa to enter Trinidad.” My husband asked her, “Why a visa?” The officer answered with what seemed to be a scornful attitude, “But she is a Guyanese. I will let her go this time but remember next time she will have to have a visa.” I felt as though I was discriminated against.

The officer should have known that Canadians do not need a visa to enter TT.

I have many Trinidadian family and friends. We love each other. We get along great. Before this interview with the officer, I used to hear whispers that Trinidadians did not like Guyanese and vice versa. I never thought I would ever witness it.

This kind of abuse has to stop now!

I would like the officer to know that Guyanese are people too. We are humans that deserve to be treated with compassion and respect just like everybody else. We are not of a lower class. We all should be so proud of our heritage.

I feel angry, embarrassed and humiliated by this negative experience that I will never forget. I strongly recommend that this officer undergoes proper immigration training to improve her conduct.

ANGRY AND DISAPPOINTED via e-mail