The Immigration Office, Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain, worked half-day again yesterday after it was shut down by president of the Public Service Association (PSA) Watson Duke. On Wednesday, Duke told staff at the office to “sign the book and go home,” saying it did not meet safety standards. He said approximately 100 people were affected by lack of an emergency exit in the event of a fire. There was no fire certificate and air quality was also an issue. In the past few months, Duke has threatened to shut down all government offices if they did not meet safety standards.
In an interview, he claimed approximately 20 buildings, in which 5,000 employees worked, had been closed to address health and safety concerns. Yesterday, when the T&T Guardian visited the immigration building, it was empty except for three people who looked like security officers. This was odd, as the office was always packed with members of the public. Signs posted on the window said: “The Immigration Division wishes to advise members of the public that operations at 116 Frederick Street have been suspended in accordance with Section 15 of the OSH Act. “Please be advised office hours are between 7 am and 11 am from Monday to Friday.” Members of the public dropped by, read the sign on the door and walked away grumbling. Duke and vice-president Chris Joefield could not be reached for comment.
‘WHAT ARE PEOPLE SUPPOSED TO DO?’
Krishna Bhansingh, an autobody painter from Toronto, Canada, said he was told to return to the office to collect his passport. “I am supposed to fly out of here tomorrow to go to Toronto. I only came for a death in the family. I have a job to go back to for Monday. I got an emergency passport because of a death and it is not something to be expected. “This is a government operation. What are people supposed to do?” he asked. His wife, Jennifer, added jokingly that she had a Canadian passport and she would leave him here and eat barbecue by herself on the upcoming Victoria Day holiday on Monday. Another man, who refused to give his name, said the “Duke virus” had spread and finally reached Tunapuna. In addition to the Immigration Office, he complained that the National Insurance Board office was closed in Tunapuna and he was unable to see about his documents there.
Departments Affected
• Central Statistical Office, Brian Lara Promenade, Port-of-Spain.
• Immigration Office and Tenders Board Committee at Moonan Building, Frederick Street.
• National Insurance Board: Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain; Arima and Tunapuna.
• Board of Inland Revenue: Independence Avenue, San Fernando; Port-of-Spain; Chaguanas and Arima.
• Head office of Division of Health and Social Services.
• Ministry of Education: Head office; finance and accounts department and pay branch, London Street branch; student support services, Pembroke Street.
• Licensing Office.
• Social Services, Independence Avenue, San Fernando.
• District Revenue and VAT offices in Port-of-Spain.
• Chaguanas Magistrates Court.
• Elections and Boundaries Commission, Chaguanas.
• Ministry of Works, Chaguanas.