PORT OF SPAIN – At least 93 Venezuelan migrants were found in Santa Flora Tuesday afternoon.
They had arrived via boats that came ashore along the south coast and were camping out near Beach Road when officers of the Santa Flora CID and Emergency Response Unit found them. Footage posted on social media showed the arrivals, mainly men, lined up along the beach under the watchful eyes of police officers.
At least 11 children were among the group. They were detained by officers and Immigration officials were called to check whether or not they were carrying valid travel documentation.
There has been an influx of Venezuelans into Trinidad since Minister of National Security Stuart Young urged them to register for an amnesty, where they will be given ID cards and allowed to work for one year.
The registration process will be held between May 31 and June 14.
Last month, a vessel loaded with 38 passengers overturned east of the uninhabited Los Patos Island, near Dragon’s Mouth. (Trinidad Express)
