CoP knocks justice system’s soft treatment of illegal Venezuelan immigrants

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith warns that current penalties against the entry of illegal immigrants may not be enough to deter a further influx which may, in turn, result in an increase in covid19 cases locally.

In a media release posted to the police service’s Facebook page on Sunday, Griffith referred to an incident in which 23 Venezuelans who were held on a beach at Los Iros were found guilty and fined $,1000 per offence or three months' imprisonment.

Three drivers – a Trinidadian, a Nigerian and a Venezuelan who were also involved – pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

In the release, Griffith expressed concern and described the outcome as giving those detained “a get out of jail free” pass.

He said such light penalties were not severe enough to dissuade other immigrants from coming to TT.

“The court’s decision sends the message that there is virtually no deterrent and no consequences of entering the country illegally.

“Immigrants can come here illegally, hope that they don’t get caught and, if they do, beat the system by walking with $1,000 cash and they will be allowed to stay in the country. This is another glaring indication of the gap between law enforcement and the criminal justice system.”
Griffith also warned that the entry of illegal immigrants could counteract efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus.

“If these numbers continue to increase, because it is perceived by people on the mainland that it is easy to enter the country and pay $1,000, we will be in serious trouble.”
The 23 people who were fined will be issued orders of supervision and not detention by the Immigration Division on completing their 14-day quarantine.