EBC: It didn’t come from us

NATIONAL Security Minister Stuart Young has ordered an investigation into what appears to be a photograph of a Venezuelan passport and a TT identification card belonging to the same person.

Young, in a statement yesterday said, he became aware of the situation after concerned citizens forwarded the photo which is being circulated on social media.

“I have requested an urgent investigation of this matter to determine the facts. I have communicated with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Immigration Division and the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).”

The photo on Facebook show a passport of a man from Venezuela and then a Trinidadian identification card with place of birth “Chaguanas”. A Trinidadian woman posted her identification card, and the registration number is identical to the one in the name of the Venezuelan man.

Also in a statement yesterday, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) said it has completed a thorough search of its database and can say no TT national identification card was ever issued to the Venezuelan man. The commission said the man’s name does not even exist on its database.

“The EBC is aware that the Minister of National Security has issued a press statement and has initiated an investigation. The EBC will provide every assistance to the respective agencies in resolving this matter.

“The EBC reassures the public that its national database, which has the biodata of every person, duly registered in accordance with the Representation of the People’s Act Chapter 2:01, has not been compromised. The EBC advises that there may be other persons operating with fraudulent documents. If you are aware of anyone using fraudulent ID cards bring it to the attention of the TT Police Service and the EBC.”

Former minister Devant Maharaj, in a Facebook post, said: “Hours after posting the issue of apparent fake national ID Cards in the possession of Venezuelans in TT, Stuart Young has finally woken up and indicated in a press statement that he will be investigating the issue.”
Maharaj said the minister’s statement indicated that his own ministry will be investigating its own agencies and departments.