KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica has requested talks at the foreign minister level with Trinidad and Tobago in a bid to deal with an immigration issue that has so far resulted in a number of nationals being refused entry into Port of Spain.
Foreign Affairs Minister A.J. Nicholson said he had invited his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Winston Dookeran, for a visit before yearend to discuss the situation.
In a statement, Nicholson said “the number of Jamaicans being returned from Trinidad and Tobago had generated considerable public outrage and had the potential to undermine confidence and diminish goodwill on the part of many Jamaicans towards Trinidad and Tobago and the wider regional integration movement.
“I believe that our personal intervention and collaboration can go a far way in bringing this issue to a speedy and successful conclusion,” Nicholson said, adding “this is of the utmost importance as a regional integration movement which does and is perceived as protecting and advancing the interests of all sides is vital to the progress of our regional enterprise.”
Media report had indicated that the 13 Jamaicans were denied entry into Port of Spain last week Tuesday and deported to their homeland the following day after being detained.
The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “has been advised by the Chief Immigration Officer and has contacted Her Excellency Sharon Saunders, High Commissioner for Jamaica who has been provided with information regarding the matter”.
