Jamaican Foreign Affairs Minister wants Trinidad to improve holding facilities

Minister made appeal following complaints from Jamaicans visiting Trinidad

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith is calling on the authorities in Trinidad and Tobago as well as Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to improve facilities for holding persons entering the country.

Johnson-Smith made the appeal following the receipt of two formal complaints from Jamaicans about the treatment meted out to them in the twin island republic following the decision to deny them entry on March 21.

“So were are aware of work that was done in 2013 and 2014 but there appears that more needs to be done. As far as I understand there is some particular concern about the facilities for holding persons who are denied entry in Trinidad. I believe that the Trinidad Government feels very strongly that it should be CAL who provides these facilities. We have undertaken that we will use our office to encourage CAL to ensure that these facilities are put in place. This is one step that we will be taking as we try to protect the rights of our Jamaican citizens who are traveling overseas,” she said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister added that following consultations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago more than two years ago on free movement under the CARICOM (Caribbean Community ) Single Market and Economy, both sides agreed to address issues, including the treatment of travelers denied entry.

Jamaica has been probing allegations that two Jamaicans were ill treated on their arrival at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago on March 21.

The Jamaican authorities have reminded nationals 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 states.