and YVONNE WEBB
TWO Cabinet ministers – Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Amery Browne – on November 26 chided Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her mass deportation stance against any law-breaking Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago.
At a UNC meeting in Barataria on November 25, Persad-Bissessar condemned the abduction and murder of a constituent Winston Thomas, allegedly by Venezuelan migrants.
She repeated her position in a statement on November 26, saying enough is enough.
"The time has come to take action against Venezuelan migrants who are committing crimes daily against our citizens.
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"Today I make it clear. If the Venezuelan migrant community do not get their act in order and desist from engaging in criminal conduct, begin assisting the police service in identifying Venezuelan criminals and integrate peacefully into our society, my incoming government will take aggressive action against ALL illegal Venezuelan migrants and deport every one of them to their homeland by any means necessary."
Browne said, "The Ministry of National Security has continuously been deporting Venezuelan nationals who break the laws of TT whilst here.
"Now the Opposition Leader is contradicting her previous positions, in a grand public announcement to say that she will do what is already being done."
At the onset of the Venezuelan migrant registration process to regularise those who had been here whether lawfully or unlawfully in May 31-June 14, 2019, the then minister of national security Stuart Young had said anyone who registered but was then caught breaking the law would be deported.
Previously, on May 15, 2023, Persad-Bissessar had called on the Government to do more to help law-abiding Venezuelans possessing migrant registration cards to integrate into life in TT, such as by contributing to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and be able to apply for driver’s permits, if having no criminal record. Hospital staff should learn basic Spanish to tend to Venezuelan nationals, she had urged, and Venezuelan children should be allowed to attend public schools in TT.
Hinds said Persad-Bissessar's latest statements were "unfortunate and inflammatory" and "a reckless outburst."
He said the remarks aimed to play politics and mimic US President-elect Donald Trump.
Hinds said the Government had a clear Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) Policy and already deports those migrants running afoul of Immigration Act and other laws.
“We have, for a very long-time, deported migrants who infringe the laws of TT.
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"While it is important to continue to address violent crime, to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors, the Opposition Leader’s aggressive and ‘politicking’ rant, against Venezuelan migrants in particular, risk creating further misunderstanding and xenophobia, leading to deeper social divisions and possible violent attacks, on this community of persons, here in TT."
He said her deportation call for Venezuelan migrants had the potential to scapegoat an entire group.
“Focusing solely on nationality, also risks oversimplifying the very complex issues, in dealing with our migrant population.”
He urged Persad-Bissessar to heed DCP Junior Benjamin saying the police's commitment was to justice, regardless of nationality.
“This approach advocates accountability, without discriminating against any group.
“Building a more inclusive society, necessitates that we view individuals as part of a wider community, rather than defining them by their nationality, especially in circumstances where we have permitted thousands to be here quite legally.”
Hinds said not all Venezuelan migrants were here illegally, but whether legal or illegal, immigrants have always been deported once they breach the laws.
The position of those with legal status was clearly stated in the MRF Policy.
He was confident his ministry's agencies were equipped to handle any local or foreign threats to TT citizens and visitors alike.
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NTA leader Gary Griffith agreed in principle with Persad-Bissessar's latest statement.
“We would also like to re-emphasise, however, that the issue goes far beyond one group or specific persons with criminal intent. According to available statistics, of the more than 100,000 individuals residing illegally in the country after entering through legal ports and failing to leave, Venezuelans account for just a part of the problem.
“The rest comprise individuals from places such as China, other South American countries, parts of Africa, and the Caribbean region. This is why we find it unfortunate and short-sighted that the current government has chosen to focus solely on Venezuelans residing illegally while neglecting the broader issue.”
He said the NTA’s plans included a three-month moratorium for regularisation. If migrants have ties or can help develop the nation, they can be given work permits.
Griffith said by this measure they would be brought into the legal work force, pay tax and contribute to the economy.
He estimated such an initiative could inject $2 billion into TT coffers.
It would also deter human trafficking by reducing incentives to exploit workers, if they were regularised not illegal.
For those choosing not to be regularised, Griffith said deportation would be strictly enforced. A new border protection unit will ensure no new breaches.
“We must safeguard our resources for our citizens and ensure our nation’s security,” Griffith said.
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Venezuelan activist Sofia Figueroa-Leon said she was surprised by Persad-Bissessar’s comments which she said seemed to be filled with hate.
Angie Ramnarine, coordinator of the La Romaine Migrant Support Group differed, saying any one who broke the law, whether here legally or illegally, ought to be deported.
Venezuelan activist Yesenia Gonzales in September had told Newsday of her fear of xenophobia against Venezuelans, speaking to Newsday after remarks by Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher to highlight those Venezuelans involved in crime. Gonzales had said before the Venezuelans, there was a growing amount of crime in TT.
“If they want to say all the Venezuelans are the cause of crime in TT, that is just an excuse." Gonzales said the Government was embarrassed to know they could not control crime.
"People are coming here to work. They just want to send money to the family. They may have some criminals, yes, well okay, deal with criminals but don’t victimise everybody.”
