On the occasion of the granting of Consulate Awards to eleven Guyanese-Barbadians for their outstanding contribution to Barbadian society, the Guyana Government representative pointed to co-operation and understanding at several levels.

“Some Guyanese do make reports to the Consulate that Bajans aren’t being nice to them, but I try to explain that there are always a small minority of misinformed and cruel individuals in any society. Like Guyanese, the Barbadian people are generally decent, warm-hearted people who will welcome strangers into their homes. I have Barbadians calling the Consulate offering kinds words when Guyanese are reported adversely upon in the Barbados press.

“Secondly, at the governmental level, Barbados has helped Guyana. They have erected a monument for the victims of the Cubana plane terrorist disaster off Barbados’ coast in which 11 Guyanese died; Guyanese are now benefiting from the efficiency of the postal service in Barbados because mail to Guyana from the United Kingdom and Canada is now re-routing here following difficulties in another regional country; Barbados has put in place the CARICOM skills national project which goes some way to make truly interregional work and travel a reality. And there have been cases where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Barbados has given Guyanese visitors, who have died in the island, a proper burial,” he said.

On the question of difficulties being experienced by Guyanese nationals at the Barbados airport, Faria said all reports are promptly acted upon and follow-up action taken. He however pointed out that the overwhelming majority of Guyanese who come to Barbados for legitimate reasons are allowed in without any hassle or discrimination.

The Guyanese Consul urged what he called “new Barbadians from Guyana” to continue their integration into Barbadian society and “make it an even better place for all to live.” He said people from Guyana must deepen their work alongside longer established residents.

“We must work with them as neighbours in their organisations, churches and private sectors bodies. If, for example, you have trouble with avaricious lawyers and the Consulate is having a real problem with them running after Guyanese, report them to the Consulate and the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Faria contended this integration process is sometimes made difficult by the Barbados media and the advertising industry. He called for a “little bit more variety” in portraying the ethnic background in advertisements promoting Barbados “100 per cent Bajan” buy local campaign aired on the island’s television stations. This would better reflect the island’s multi-racial and cultural makeup, he argued.

Also addressing the inaugural Awards dinner held recently at the Asta Hotel were Guyana’s Education Minister, Dr. Henry Jeffrey, Barbados’ Minister of Economic Development Reginald Farley, both of whom also praised the longstanding ties of the two CARICOM nation states.