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Nationals denied entry, mistreated in Trinidad and Tobago concern Jamaica gov't

Xinhua, April 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Jamaican Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith on Wednesday expressed "strong concerns" over reports about Jamaicans being denied entry into Trinidad and Tobago and mistreated.

"They had to sleep in chairs or on the floor of the departure lounge of the airport. There was no access to proper bathroom facilities, and little or no food was provided. Some of the complainants indicated that they were mocked and jeered by the security personnel," the minister said.

The denial of entry of Jamaicans and their treatment while awaiting return to their homeland have been a longstanding issue between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago issued a statement explaining that the country's immigration law prevents the entry of foreigners who might be a public burden to the country. It also requires airline companies to treat all such persons in a humane manner and to provide them with meals before sending them back home.

However, this response did not satisfy the Jamaican foreign minister.

Johnson-Smith said at a post cabinet press briefing on Wednesday that she had written to her counterpart in Trinidad and Tobago demanding "concrete solutions with specific timelines to address the issues which continue to plague relations between our two countries."

The foreign minister raised three specific concerns, such as the high rate of denial of entry, mistreatment by immigration officials as well as the lack of proper facilities to accommodate returnees at the airport.

In 2014, 283 Jamaicans were denied entry when landing at their twin-island neighbor; in 2015, the number increased to 325 and in the first quarter of 2016, 113 Jamaicans were returned. Endi