Guatemalans’ Nationality Applications to be Converted to Permanent Residency

Hundreds of persons flooded Swift Hall on Monday hoping to get citizenship, including scores of nationals from Guatemala. But government has decided that because of the territorial dispute, there will be a moratorium of citizenship to these nationals who instead can opt for permanent residency. The matter was raised at the Monday night meeting and according to the Prime Minister those will not be revoked.

Dean Barrow

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“People have been given citizenship, you can’t get up there and say that you will take it back. I would think they take you to law and you will be in bad shape. As far as I am concerned, you draw a line under that and in view of the position taken by the Nationality Committee indeed you cannot proceed in giving any new Guatemalans citizenship. Those who have flown the coop as it were, that is that.”