After the 1992 PPP election victory, President Cheddi Jagan appealed to Guyanese in North America to return home and serve. Some persons responded positively to his call but almost all of them rued the day they gave up their jobs and homes and remigrated. One major problem was the bureaucratic hassle to settle. The other more troubling problem was the suspicion and unwilling cooperation they received from their Guyanese co-workers who felt that their own positions were threatened. Then, they had to listen to unkind remarks like: "Wheh yuh bin all de time? Yuh cut and run and we stay and struggle."
So, I don't think Joe Harmon's call will yield results. The mindset of Guyanese at home hasn't changed towards those of us living overseas.
If you could, would you go back?
Truthfully, Skelly, I would, but let's be realistic. I'm 64 years old and not in good health. What contribution could I make down in Guyana where young people are ready to put folks like me to pasture? Here in Toronto, even with my limited mobility, I was asked to volunteer in a small but meaningful project in my community. I've just completed my first week and everyone was full of praise Friday afternoon. The cooperation I got was fantastic. For now I'm okay here.