UNC: Register all illegal migrants, not just V'zuelans

Former prime minister Basdeo Panday, who was once minister of Foreign Affairs, agrees with the current Prime Minister that the Venezuelan problems must be solved by the Venezuelans.

Panday said TT cannot bear the full brunt of the immigration that is going to take place as Venezuelans flee their country in droves due to political and economic instability.

He believes the Caribbean should come together to assist in this process.

Echoing Dr Rowley's sentiments, Panday said, “First of all, we must take a humanitarian approach on that matter. TT cannot take the full brunt of the immigration that is going to take place.

“I think we ought to join with other Caribbean countries, countries of Latin America to participate in this outflow of people leaving Venezuela.

“The Venezuelan problems got to be solved by the Venezuelans.”

Deputy political leader of the UNC David Lee, however, asked, why not a general registration process for all illegal immigrants in the country?

Criticising the Government for leaving the wide gap between the announcement of the amnesty and the actual date on which it is to be done, Lee said the influx of Venezuelans seizing the opportunity for a better life would put a strain on this TT's social services, health and education.

He said the strain was already being felt by the police and the Immigration divisions as they detained the refugees who were coming by the hundreds through TT’s porous borders.

“The question I would like to ask the Prime Minister is, there are so many other races of people coming to TT seeking a better life, some sort of amnesty, Nigerians, Haitians, Jamaicans, Guyanese, Chinese: why not consider a registration for all illegal migrants in this country?

“If you are opening up this registration for Venezuelans, do it for everyone who is here illegally so government can have a better handle on the number of illegal migrants in this country.”

The Venezuelan Migration Registration Process will take place over a two-week period from May 31st to June 14 at three centres to be established at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain; Achievers Banquet Hall, Duncan Village, San Fernando; and at the Caroline building, Wilson Road, Scarborough, Tobago.

Lee questioned why private facilities were being used for this process.

“Why is the QPCC being rented for use as a centre when you have the Savannah and the Stadium and Jean Pierre Complex?"

The Queen’s Park Cricket Club, in a notice to members dated May 24, advised that the Ministry of National Security had rented areas of the Oval to facilitate the registration May 31 to June 14 from 8 am to 4 pm daily, inclusive of weekends.

It said The Jeffrey Stollmeyer Stand, the Century Ballroom and the viewing balcony would be used for the exercise.

As a result of that arrangement, the club said the Tragarete Road car park would be closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic and the entrance from Havelock Street would not be accessible.

Parking for Jaffa Restaurant and All Out Sports Bar will be accommodated during the period in the Elizabeth Street car park.

“Why is Government spending money to rent private facilities in San Fernando and Tobago when there are properties like Skinner Park, the Brian Lara Stadium, Dwight Yorke Stadium which can be utilised at no cost and can accommodate the large influx of Venezuelans anticipated?"

Government said the exercise will cost approximately $5 million.