Stranded Trini in UK pleads for compassion

A TRINI stranded in London says he is losing hope of reuniting with his family anytime soon. The stranded traveller, who asked to remain anonymous, said he knows the government cannot reopen TT’s borders “toute bagai” for all international travel, but instead, offered some suggestions it can adopt to deal with locals stranded abroad.

His recommendations included acknowledging the receipt of exemption applications; reaching out and reassuring stranded nationals; ensuring consular services are available to nationals; opening a database for stranded nationals who have proof of a return ticket after March 22; negotiating with airlines to repatriate valid ticket-holders; a schedule and protocols for re-entry and quarantine, and supervision of returned nationals after a 14-day mandatory isolation period.

The man said he travelled to the UK in January for a wedding and birthday event. He said he was unable to get his ticket re-validated before March 22, when TT’s borders were closed. “I am absolutely sure, there are many others like myself, who, due to ill fate, could not return to their homeland also.

“My heart broke in pieces unimaginable to any other person, and too small for those in authority to show any compassion and humanity to repatriate stranded nationals,” he said. “We are in May, nearly half of the year is finished, and I cannot return home.

“There are no words to comfort a stranded national who just wishes to unite with his family. TT borders remain closed for now, and I fully understand why, but hope is being lost as a citizen’s trust is being undermined as a taxpayer, and fear looms over my mental health.”

He said his accommodation was expensive and he has now resorted to eating one meal a day to save money. “I am financially deprived and what makes this issue so much harder and gloomier is that the consulate (both here and at home) has shown no compassion. It is almost as if they are at home keeping safe. Real help is needed at this time. I am desirous of returning home and being united with my loved ones,” he said. He said it was the duty of any responsible government to communicate and give hope and assistance to every citizen, pandemic or not.

“Lives matter and communication and positions taken must be the paramount vehicle for effectively safeguarding each citizen.

“Simply tell everyone what your plan is and what measures you have undertaken. Citizens will begin to lose their lives. Who will be responsible then?” he asked, also calling on people in TT to not judge those who are stranded outside.

He said he was speaking up so that everyone understands what it feels like to be forgotten, rejected, and treated as an outcast. “I deserve better. We, the stranded, deserve better. The government can certainly do better. It is time for the stranded nationals to return home. I am a human being too,” he said.