The 13 Jamaican nationals who were denied entry in T&T were found to be in breach of several regulations, according to National Security Minister Gary Griffith. The Jamaicans were denied entry at Piarco International Airport last week Tuesday. They reportedly told the Jamaican Gleaner they were not only denied entry but treated very bad and claimed they were traumatised as a result. However, Griffith, in a release, insisted that the Jamaicans’ actions were not above board.
“They were found providing conflicting information on the reasons for their visit, with their stories not being corroborated by their intended hosts, being hosted by Jamaican nationals in the country with illegal visitor status and having insufficient funds to support the length of their intended stay in the country,” the minister said.
An investigation conducted by the Ministry of National Security showed the Jamaican nationals entered the country on September 30 at 11.30 pm and underwent interview checks until 1 am. They then had a five-hour wait at Piarco International Airport before their repatriation via a return flight to Jamaica, which departed on October 1 at 8 am, a length of time that did not require them being put up at a hotel.
“Additionally, subsequent to the decision of repatriation, the nationals were not under the watch of immigration officials but strictly under the supervision of the airline, which provided them with food and blankets during their wait for their return flight.” Griffith reiterated that the actions taken by the immigration officers were fully compliant with T&T’s Immigration Act and all laws and regulations.
“Entry into T&T for Caricom nationals under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the Declaration of Single Market Readiness is not automatic. Each and every visitor must also meet the immigration requirements to be allowed entry.” He added that Caricom nationals can be refused entry into a member state if it is determined they fall within two broad categories, namely “an undesirable” or “someone who is likely to become a charge on public funds.”
“The Ministry and the Immigration Division continue to adhere to our obligation to protect the nation’s borders. While we welcome all visitors including our Caricom neighbours, we will do so in accordance with the laws of the land,” the minister said.