Hong Kong nationals free to land in Guyana without visas
Hong Kong nationals are currently allowed to fly to Guyana without receiving a visa prior to departure and can apply once they land in Guyana.
According to reports, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received confirmation from the Embassy of the Republic of Guyana in Beijing that, with immediate effect, HKSAR passport holders may apply for visitor visas upon arrival at the Republic of Guyana for stays of up to one month.
This publication has been informed that Hong Kong nationals can travel to Guyana as tourists and get a one-month maximum permission to stay from the Immigration Officer at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
This can be extended by a maximum of two more months if they apply, whilst in Guyana, to Ministry of Home Affairs.
Chinese nationals in Guyana have recently been a source of concern especially as it relates to investments locally.
A number of local Chinese firms have been in the spot light.
Recently the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Secretary General had expressed fears that there may be a syndrome of xenophobia against Chinese nationals.
Given the level of money that has been invested in Guyana and the Region at large or has been committed for future investments by China, Head of State, Donald Ramotar, has dismissed fears that the Chinese will become the new colonialists of the Region.
Ramotar at a press conference at State House said that his view was that this was not the intention of the Chinese. He said that Guyana can safeguard itself by enforcing its laws.
The President pointed out too that the Chinese are not the only source of funds available since there are other options.
The President said that he was not afraid or worried about the potential of China becoming the new colonial masters of the Region.
“For many of us, investment by China has helped keep us afloat. Chinese investment has been important also in helping us in having the necessary investments in our own countries,” Ramotar is on record saying
“In Guyana for example, in expanding our airport transport system and many of our roads, the Chinese assisted us. I would like to express our profound support for the initiatives being taken.”
At present, there is a significant level of investment in Guyana by Chinese companies such as Bai Shan Lin which has been involved in large scale logging.
There are also numerous projects involving Chinese money such as the One Laptop Per Family programme, the construction of the Marriott Hotel, construction of several sections of the Amaila Falls Access Road, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the widening of the East Coast Demerara Highway among others.
There is also a significant presence of Chinese investments in competition with locals. China is also expected to finance the bridge across the Corentyne River.
China has committed to investing more than US$1B in Guyana in the near future.
Earlier this year a Chinese-owned shipyard was commissioned at Coverden, East Bank Demerara.
At the commissioning of that facility Ramotar said, “I want to extend special greetings to the Chinese investors who have come here and to let them know that they are welcome in Guyana.”
He said too that China has tremendous capabilities, evidenced by the tremendous progress that the country has made in just over three decades.
China’s growth is also unmatched when compared to equivalent countries in any part of the world, he said.
“To see how fast that country has grown in just over three decades, speaks volumes for Chinese investors and their readiness to take risks. It also speaks volumes of their skills, of their traditions and customs and their dedication to work and labour, and that is something we hope that we can emulate in our country,” the President said.
