Guyana Opposition rejects Chinese citizenship proposal

Opposition political parties in Guyana have criticised the government’s move to grant citizenship to Chinese living in the territory for more than seven years.



According to the opposition, the move is designed to seek votes for the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic ahead of next year's general elections.



Three parliamentary opposition political parties, including the main opposition Peoples National Congress Reform, say the Bharrat Jagdeo administration has not considered the implications for the Caribbean Community.



On the weekend, Jagdeo announced that Chinese living in Guyana for at least seven years would be automatically granted citizenship and on landing in Guyana others would be granted three-year work permits.