Declaring that he was “most proud” of Guyanese living and working in Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana’s Honorary Consul there, Robert ‘Bobby’ Reis, believes that any Guyanese national who is living on the island illegally deserves to be sent back home.

It is estimated that there are between 10,000 to 15,000 Guyanese nationals living on the island.

Speaking to News Source earlier this week, Reis said while the number of illegal Guyanese living  and working in Antigua is relativity low, those who continue to exist in the country in an undocumented manner are “stupid.”

He made this point against the backdrop of several amnesties offered by the Antiguan government to illegal immigrants, recalling one in 2014-2015 and an ongoing amnesty which started in January, allowing for undocumented immigrants to be regularised.

Reis also reminded of an amnesty last year for persons who were working in Antigua and Barbuda illegally.

“Those that are still illegal deserve to be deported because they have been given every opportunity and assistance,” he told News Source.

The Honorary Consul said there is not a single Guyanese who can say they don’t know of these amnesties. Reis said he met with the Guyanese community living there in March and encouraged them along this path.

“I am sure word has passed down… but it’s not a high percentage of illegal Guyanese here,” he said.

For those Guyanese who continue to live and work in Antigua undocumented, the Honorary Consul said: “they deserve whatever they get.”

But notwithstanding this, Reis also has a message for the authorities in Antigua, saying regardless of the status of any Guyanese in the country, their human rights and dignity must be respected.

“Many of them work very hard, taking jobs that nobody wants and accepting pay below regular wages… most of them have respected the law and continue to make their contribution.”

Resident in Antigua, Reis said he is very proud of Guyanese who live and work there.

He said Guyanese can be working out of all sectors. “Guyanese males can do anything, they are all-rounders… they can do a little bit of everything, you will find them heavily in construction, security, nurses and teachers even the Police Force.”

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