Beware marriages of convenience

THE EDITOR: Recent headlines state, "Love is love,"

"If people say they are in love, who are we to doubt them?" That was the response from the Prime Minister when he was asked what would be the Government’s policy position on the possibility of marriages of convenience taking place between Venezuelans and Trinidadians and Tobagonians during the registration period in order to validate their permanent stay. I understand Dr Rowley's response, but I believe it is a slightly misguided one.

Marrying someone to gain permanent status in a country is a sham and should be discouraged at all costs. Leaders of this nation should do everything in their power to discourage marriages of convenience because it is not as innocent as it may seem and is in no way justifiable or acceptable. Sometimes they are dangerous enough to claim victims and affect lives, as they may involve people smuggling or human trafficking. This is why the government of any country is supposed to be taking preventive measures. Strict policies must be put in place to identify the potential danger of marriages of convenience. There is nothing positive to be gained from such an arrangement.

SIMON WRIGHT, CHAGUANAS