Jamaica and Trinidad Begin Talks to Solve Entry Issue

Talks have started between the governments of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago following recent cases in which Jamaicans were denied entry to the twin-island republic.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, told JIS News that steps are being taken to address the issue.

“We are seeking to find a solution at the political level, so I have started conversations with my counterpart in Trinidad and Tobago, Senator the Hon. Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs. We have spoken twice  and we will continue to speak in good faith to find a solution,” she said.

Minister Johnson Smith said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is aware of the interest and frustration as it relates to  the movement of Jamaicans within CARICOM.

“We understand the frustration of Jamaicans on these matters, including those of the private sector, who have made strong pronouncements. We are working to try to achieve a solution and we will update the public as soon as we have made some progress,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is reminding Jamaicans that:

• There is a CARICOM Complaints Procedure, which may be used to ensure that nationals who have been denied entry, detained or mistreated at the ports of entry of other CARICOM countries file a formal complaint with the Ministry on return to Jamaica.
• The complaint forms are available on arrival at the airports in Jamaica.
• Once a complaint is received, an investigation is conducted with the relevant authorities in the CARICOM country concerned.

Jamaican nationals may also make reports directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.