The backlog of passports at the Immigration Division has affected T&T’s international reputation and could also affect the operations of state carrier Caribbean Airlines. So said acting mayor of San Fernando Junia Regrello as he visited the San Fernando Immigration Division, Knox Street, San Fernando, yesterday. Despite an injunction to halt all industrial action and a court order mandating workers to return to duty, the San Fernando office was almost devoid of staff yesterday.
The second floor of the building was empty. A source said over 80 per cent of workers did not turn up for work. Senior immigration officers were seen leaving the building. Regrello, who spoke to immigration staff and customers, said the impasse with the Public Service Association must be addressed immediately. “This has far-reaching consequences. While the immigration workers have their issues, the Government must realise that this is hurting T&T’s reputation internationally. Flights are being cancelled and people are losing money,” Regrello said. He added that under the PNM administration, Prime Minister Patrick Manning had started constructing the government campus at Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain, to house the Immigration Division.
“It does not matter who started the building, the Government should complete it as quick as possible. “If this building was completed the immigration staff would be accommodated in a proper facility and the country would not be suffering as it is today,” Regrello said.
Impact on CAL
CAL’s corporate communications manager Clint Williams said yesterday he would have to enquire whether CAL had been affected by the immigration crisis before making a comment.
Finance Minister Larry Howai said earlier this month CAL had suffered a loss of just under $100 million for the financial year 2013 but was hoping to reduce its losses under new CEO Michael Dilollo.