The recent denial of Jamaican nationals seeking entry into Trinidad and Tobago by the Immigration Department at Piarco highlights a growing perception whether made up or real that discrimination by nationality is a growing trend in CARICOM countries. With the economic melt down of the global financial system just 5 short years ago perpetuated by greed, derivatives trading, Americas biggest banks and CEOs on Wall Street, economic devastation took firm grip on many developing countries especially those in the Caribbean and Latin America.The situation many have argued have gotten systematically worse. While the economy of Trinidad and Tobago remains resilient and buoyant due to globally high oil prices, relatively stable natural gas prices,deficit spending, massive government investments in infrastructure, increased spending on Education, close to full employment 5% albeit due to CEPEP and URP and the rapid expansion of poverty alleviation policies which enabled us to escape relatively unscathed from the economic calamity that brought to its feet the worlds largest economy the United States of America. Trinidad and Tobago is in a good fiscal position with debt to GDP at 40%, inflation at a manageable level, strong performance in the non energy sectors particular the services sector which lead to new job opportunities and other strong macro-economic fundamentals as compared to Jamaica where debt to GDP at 145%, their economy highlighted by an upward movement in poverty, low or no economic growth, high unemployment and quickly deteriorating fiscal positions which lead them to seek financial assistance from the IMF. Jamaica is Trinidad and Tobagos largest trading partner is CARICOM and trade between the two countries is imperative for both countries economies with Jamaica importing close to USD $700 million worth of exports mainly petrochemicals, refined petroleum products and manufactured goods, however the recent utterances and pronouncements made by the Jamaican Manufacturers Association (JMA) that Trinidad and Tobagos approach was, divisive and foolhardy relating the refusal of non-entry to Jamaicans is nothing more than a euphemism for their sinister agenda and a direct frontal attack on the sovereignty of the Republic . While we are bound by the Treaty of Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago reserves the right to deny entry to undesirable persons. It should be highlighted that over the previous five years 94% of Jamaicans seeking entry into Trinidad and Tobago was allowed to. Their tireless war against Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers (TTMA) enjoying the lowest energy prices in the western hemisphere, educated and skilled workers, competitive labour costs and a business environment that fosters innovative ideas and investments which enables Trinidadian manufacturers to produce a better product at a cheaper price, leaving their products inferior and sub--standard is not the fault of the TTMA. The Jamaican Government should review their current policies or put similar measures or in place to improve the competitiveness and standards of the products of the JMA. They should not use this issue to inflame diplomatic tension between the two countries in an effort to settle a grouse against the TTMA . Gary Griffith the Minister Of National Security is purported to have said according to media reports that the non-entry was due to questions that said nationals answered on their entry which left immigration officials with more questions than answeres. With the prevailing economic conditions in Jamaica and the answers that they gave, they had to be denied entry. Their overstaying their allotted time would put immeasurable pressure on our social programmes with the trend being conceiving children in Trinidad and Tobago thus becoming citizens by birth to stay in the country. It would be advisable to the JMA to get all the information before imputing improper motives against the hard working immigration officers at Piarco and by extension our blessed Republic.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 15:50:03 +0000
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