Jilicia Leitch has safely arrived in the United States, marking a significant milestone in her recovery journey after suffering severe chemical burns to her face and right eye on September 3, 2025.
After exhausting all available options in Guyana, Ms. Leitch turned to the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) for assistance approximately two weeks ago. At that time, she felt a sense of hopelessness about the possibility of receiving care in the U.S. due to financial and logistical challenges.
VPAC promptly stepped in to support her efforts, engaging with the United States Embassy to help address the most critical barrier: securing lawful entry into the United States. The Embassy acted swiftly, providing an interview date within three days and approving her visa shortly thereafter, allowing Ms. Leitch to travel without unnecessary delays.
VPAC expresses heartfelt gratitude to the United States Embassy in Georgetown and the Office of the Ambassador for their timely and compassionate humanitarian response. The committee also acknowledges Mr. Mark Benschkop and his immigration servicing facility for facilitating the visa application process and covering associated costs, along with others who provided support during this challenging time.
The journey of Ms. Leitch serves as a powerful reminder to young people, especially young women who may feel overwhelmed or forgotten, that even when the path forward seems blocked, help can arrive, and hope should never be lost. VPAC is proud to have played a role in ensuring Ms. Leitch received the assistance she needed, and we wish her the very best as she embarks on this next chapter of recovery.
— Dorwain Bess, Chairman, VPAC (Vigilant Political Action Committee)
