Minister Griffith Supports Integration But Not at The Cost of National Security
In response to recent statements made by both the Jamaican Foreign Minister and his Opposition counterpart regarding the refusal of entry of thirteen (13) Jamaicans into Trinidad and Tobago, the Minister of National Security Senator the Honourable Gary Griffith reiterates that the issue of contention is not of integration but rather of national security to both countries.
The Minister stated that having over nineteen thousand, five hundred (19,500) Jamaican citizens overstaying their approved time in Trinidad and Tobago – with over 8,000 of those being unaccounted for and presently in this country illegally – is a challenge for local authorities. In such circumstances, Minister Griffith is calling for Government to Government dialogue to build bridges rather than remove those that already exist.
The Minister described comments made by the Jamaican Foreign Minister of him “not getting it” as an unfortunate posture in a situation where efforts toward diplomatic resolution should be a priority, especially in circumstances where the restrictions placed on entry by citizens from specific countries are as a direct result of overt breaches against Trinidad and Tobago’s immigration parameters.
Minister Griffith made it clear that he “indeed did get it”, and fully understands the importance of adhering to policies in tandem with this nation’s laws, by verifying that all persons allowed into this country meet the Immigration requirements as set out in our Immigration Act Chapter 18:01 of the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
In this regard, he pointed out that the persons who were refused entry were in breach of Trinidad and Tobago’s Immigration laws as follows:
· Providing conflicting information on the reasons for their visit, with their stories not being corroborated by their intended hosts;
· Being hosted by Jamaican nationals in the country with illegal visitor status;
· Having insufficient funds to support the length of their intended stay in the country.
Furthermore, the accusation of him attempting to “muddy integration waters” by ensuring that the rule of law is applied to all persons who have demonstrated a reasonable breach of Trinidad and Tobago’s Immigration guidelines begs the question as to whether such integration is pegged on member territories conveniently breaching their own internal rules of law to accommodate other member territories. He stated that as Minister of National Security, he will not expect any of his regional counterparts to assume any such posture that has the potential to impugn their sovereign territory and national safety and security.
Minister Griffith added that this long standing immigration issue should be treated in a responsible and non-emotive manner by Governments, without the unwarranted and personalized condemnation of neighboring CARICOM partners. He reminded that this matter involves understanding and appreciating basic terms of engagement and rules of law, both of which are applicable to all parties in the Caribbean Community.
Minister Griffith further notes that full clarity must be sought in all matters before pronouncements are made. He observes that statements were made by the Jamaican officials, based solely on the accounts received from the persons who were legally refused entry on very specific grounds, whereas, when the issue is being clarified by the relevant Minister of National Security, it is seen as “unacceptable”.
In an effort to bring clarity to the situation before it becomes completely overtaken by emotion, the Honourable Minister extends an invitation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jamaica, his opposition counterpart and the Jamaican Minister of National Security to join him for talks aimed at arriving at amicable resolutions in the best interest of both countries and all their citizens at the earliest possible opportunity.
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Marcia Hope
Director – Corporate Communications Unit