AN INTERESTING proposal has been floated to help the authorities here deal with the influx of illegal aliens, particularly large numbers of Brazilians reported working without authorisation in mining areas and some other sectors.

Guyana and Brazil have maintained excellent relations for many years and we do not expect the Government here would want to do anything rash that would disrupt these cordial ties, like rounding up and expelling Brazilians found here without proper authorisation.

The two countries recently signed a landmark partial trade agreement that opens the way for closer trade and other ties.

Advances have also been made on the long anticipated Guyana-Brazil road, an avenue of immense potential for both countries.

So there is every cause for optimism over the two countries moving closer together in the immediate future.

But the problem of illegal aliens cannot be wished away in any country and when they pose problems these have to be dealt with in a realistic way, taking all circumstances into consideration.

Given the nature of the border between Guyana and its neighbours - long, wide open and not subject to patrol in vast sections - there would be easy opportunity for people on both sides to slip in and out as they feel.

And as in many border areas around the world, community relations and family ties develop with little regard to the rules national governments impose.

The Guyana Government has declared that it will not tolerate any illegal aliens here but clearly recognising the nature of what obtains in the border with Brazil in the south of the country, it is moving to address the situation.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, announced Tuesday that the Government is examining proposals for the registration of "eligible" Brazilians here and the formulation of procedures and formalities to allow this to happen quickly but transparently.

He reported that the proposals are among recommendations developed and submitted at several inter-agency meetings convened as a result of concerns raised about the cultural impact of the large number of Brazilians in the country, particularly in interior areas.

Other areas being addressed are self-sponsorship; sponsorship by Guyanese and the need to create greater collaboration between the Federal Police in Brazil and local law enforcement officers.

The inter-agency meetings are also to address the issue of community relationships in the hinterland border regions and the economic and environmental impact associated with the presence and work of the Brazilians there, he said.

This approach reflects consideration of the realities that have to be addressed as many Brazilians have reportedly established personal and working relations with Guyanese and may be entitled to be treated not as illegals.

Many Guyanese have also taken up residence in Boa Vista, across the border in Brazil and other parts of that country, and Guyana's moving to regularise or register the presence here of "eligible" Brazilians is a step towards maintaining good neighbourliness.