Foreign Minister Commends Government of Trinidad

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, has hailed the Trinidadian Government for efforts made to solve issues relating to treatment of Jamaicans at the country’s port of entry.

Speaking at a press conference on July 18 at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Johnson Smith said it is a demonstration of good faith by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

“It is important for us to recognise it as a mark of good faith when countries agree to solve issues; when promises are made and kept,” she said.

The press conference followed bilateral discussions between Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and Trinidadian Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley, who is on a five-day official visit to Jamaica, from July 17 to 21.

Meanwhile, Trinidad’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dennis Moses, said an update was provided to the Jamaican officials during the meeting on the progress of an ongoing customer service training workshop for frontline Trinidadian immigration personnel.

He said the first phase of the initiative will be completed next week Tuesday (July 26), resulting in the training of some 100 personnel at all levels.

“These are positive developments based on commitments made in consultations (since March),” Senator Moses said.

He also noted that retrofitting of a dedicated facility at the Piarco International Airport in the twin-island republic, to accommodate persons, including Jamaicans, who are awaiting return flights overnight, is under way and should be completed in two weeks.

Senator Moses further indicated that the country has instituted mechanisms to allow for the respectful treatment of persons who are being returned to their countries of origin after committing infractions in Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Kamina Johnson Smith extended thanks to Senator Moses for the personal efforts he made to ensure that the hurdles would be removed and the process would be expedited, resulting in the return of 15 Jamaicans recently. She said an additional 26 have completed the special enquiry process and will be returned in short order.