By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, has criticised the government for what he describes as poor governance and the absence of data-driven decision-making, arguing that these shortcomings have left Guyana without a coherent and effective immigration policy.
According to Norton, the administration’s approach to governance is not guided by accurate data or long-term planning, but rather by what he termed transactional and economic considerations. He said this failure has resulted in inadequate engagement with the opposition on critical matters of national security, migration management, and demographic change.
Norton warned that unchecked migration, if not properly managed, could have serious implications for Guyana’s national interests. He cautioned that without clear policies, transparency, and coordination with law-enforcement agencies, the country risks losing control over who enters and resides within its borders. He further argued that effective migration management requires systems that allow authorities to monitor population movement, conduct proper background checks, and respond swiftly when laws are violated.
The PNCR leader stressed that Guyana’s geographic position, bordered by countries facing political, economic, and social challenges, makes a comprehensive immigration policy even more urgent. He noted that migration pressures are not limited to crisis situations, as even stable countries experience outward migration, making preparedness essential.
His comments come against the backdrop of preliminary findings from the 2022 Population and Housing Census, which show a notable increase in the foreign-born population. The data indicate that 96.93 per cent of residents are Guyanese nationals, while foreign-born residents account for 3.07 per cent of the population—nearly triple the 1.10 per cent recorded in 2012.
Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Ashni Singh, has previously noted that much of the foreign-born population comprises migrants from neighbouring countries, as well as investors and students. He acknowledged that cross-border migration has become an increasingly significant reality for Guyana in recent years.
Norton, however, maintained that regardless of the reasons for migration, the state must have clear mechanisms in place to ensure national security. He argued that immigration systems should be closely linked to law-enforcement databases so that individuals who pose security risks or engage in criminal activity can be identified and dealt with appropriately.
He concluded that without a modern, data-driven immigration framework, Guyana will continue to struggle to balance openness with security, leaving gaps that could undermine governance, public confidence, and long-term national stability.
