THE EDITOR, Sir:READING OF Father Richard Ho Lung's experience on arrival in Toronto brought back to me the even worse treatment I received at London's Heathrow some time ago. I am an international scientist, having worked for the World Bank, the United Nations and the UnitedStates Government as well as my own UWI.
I was once a Jamaica Scholar with a UK degree, and, I might add, a 'white' Jamaican. I was travelling to an international congress in Germany, in transit only through the UK, with onward and return tickets. Because of a moderate disability I had to use a wheelchair.
On reaching the special immigration desk for wheelchair passengers, I was denied entry and told that I would be put back on the Air Jamaica flight at my own (or rather UWI's) expense.
Fortunately, the kind 'Cockney' airport employee pushing my wheelchair told the immigration officer he was totally "out of order" and several other unprintable things. As a result I was finally allowed to proceed to my connecting flight.
But I can say with my good friend Father Richard that the British officer was 'very aggressive' in his attitude and obviously afflicted with the same disease as his Canadian persecutor.
I am etc.,
L. ALAN EYRE (Dr.)
caribbeanpioneer@yahoo.co.uk
