Patriotic Front: Humanity, responsibility needed on migrant issue

PATRIOTIC Front political leader Mickela Panday says humanity and responsibility are necessary elements of any solution regarding the issue of Venezuelan migrants coming to TT to escape challenges they are experiencing in their own nation.

In a statement on November 29, Panday said, "We believe that it is our moral duty to approach this situation with compassion while safeguarding the welfare and security of our citizens."

TT, she continued, must remain committed to international humanitarian principles, recognising that many Venezuelans are fleeing unimaginable hardships caused by economic collapse and political instability through no fault of their own."

Panday said, "However, as a sovereign nation, we must also prioritise the interests of our people by ensuring that our policies are structured, balanced, and enforceable."

As part of a united and pragmatic approach towards this issue, Panday suggested there be greater co-operation between Caricom, international partners and local stakeholders to craft a sustainable solution that upholds human dignity while ensuring TT’s resources and security remain intact.

"We remain committed to protecting our nation’s future while extending a helping hand to those fleeing suffering. This is the balance of humanity and responsibility that we must uphold."

At a UNC meeting in Barataria on November 25, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned the abduction and murder of a constituent Winston Thomas, allegedly by Venezuelan migrants.

She repeated her position in a statement on November 26, saying enough is enough.

Persad-Bissessar said, "The time has come to take action against Venezuelan migrants who are committing crimes daily against our citizens."

"Today I make it clear. If the Venezuelan migrant community do not get their act in order and desist from engaging in criminal conduct, begin assisting the police service in identifying Venezuelan criminals and integrate peacefully into our society, my incoming government will take aggressive action against all illegal Venezuelan migrants and deport every one of them to their homeland by any means necessary."

Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds subsequently condemned her statements.

Browne said, "The Ministry of National Security has continuously been deporting Venezuelan nationals who break the laws of TT whilst here.

Hinds said Persad-Bissessar's latest statements were "unfortunate and inflammatory" and "a reckless outburst."

He added the remarks aimed to play politics and mimic US President-elect Donald Trump.