Trinis happy for exemptions but will Venezuela let them leave?

TT nationals stranded in Venezuela are celebrating the announcement by Minister of National Security Stuart Young that the border would be opened to allow them to return home.

The group, however, is now facing another challenge on how can they get an exemption from the Venezuelan government to open its borders so they can leave.

Young announced on Thursday during a virtual media briefing, exemptions will be granted to nationals in Guyana and Venezuela, Margarita. However, he said, the government will not pay for travel arrangements.

Harold Learnond-Criqui was contacted by the group in Venezuela when he learned they needed help to return home and has been acting as the co-ordinator of a “rescue” plan. He told Newsday there were 19 people — which includes one permanent resident — excited to return to TT but the challenge is getting Venezuela to allow them to leave.

“Even though our borders may reopen on May 15 the Venezuela borders may not open until August. If there is no request from the TT Government they will be stuck there even with the exemption. It’s a two-pound solution; there must be permission on both sides.”

Criqui said that was brought to the attention of the permanent secretary in the ministry.

“He said he’s waiting on instructions from the minister on how to proceed. He didn’t mention anything specific but he kept saying he’s waiting on the minister.

“Our government has a very close relationship with Venezuela; it’s just a phone call away for exemption on their side to be granted.”

He said the group has already arranged with Venezuela airlines RUTAC, so the TT government wouldn’t need to cover the cost.

“We are making arrangements for RUTACA and they agreed to fly us home on a humanitarian basis.”

He said, “Movement is restricted, the army has taken over security, many of them have medical needs, running out of money, some of them had to sell items to get a plate of food and some of them had to leave their hotels because they had overstayed. “

He said he “couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be being in a foreign place with little to no help.” He said the news of an exemption was “a weight off of everyone’s shoulder.”

Criqui said the group was prepared to go into immediate quarantine when it arrived in TT.

“They have no issue to go it no quarantine, they can’t wait. They just want to be home, especially knowing war is brewing and some of them are breaking down mentally. “

One of the TT nationals in Venezuela told Newsday, “We are happy and anxious to get home and are very thankful for the help for those of us in Margarita. I wish to thank the government of TT. Special thanks to Minister Young for the great job he is doing.

“All the dark days are almost over. How life can change in such a flash. Nothing is guaranteed. Thank God it's almost over.”