Diplomatic tensions rising between Jamaica and Trinidad

The souring of relations between the two Caricom states has been stretching out for a number of years as Jamaicans have consistently complained that they have been denied entry to the land of the hummingbird for no apparent reason even though they have met all qualifications set out under the revised Treaty of Chaguramas, which stipulates that no Caricom National should be turned away from another Caricom state if it is not revealed that the traveller is an undesirable or will pose a burden on the receiving state.

Recently, a number of Jamaicans have complained that they were denied entry into Trinidad and were forced to sleep in chairs or on the floor, provided with little or no food, were not allowed to use the bathroom and to top it off were jeered and mocked by security guards who were assigned to watch them.

So far, Johnson-Smith said her ministry had received four formal complaints from disgruntled Jamaicans.

Speaking at a Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Wednesday, Johnson-Smith said she had written to her Trinidadian counterpart, Senator David Moses at the request of the Jamaican cabinet.

“Our first step of intervention was made at the level of the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, who was asked to seek the relevant reports and conduct strong investigations into the matter, which he did. Subsequent to saying, I commenced frank discussions with my counterpart Senator the Honourable David Moses. I have also written to Minister Moses at the request of Cabinet to indicate the Government of Jamaica’s strong concern regarding the most recent incident of mistreatment of Jamaican citizens and to indicate that we are anxious to be provided with concrete, constructive solutions with specific timelines for addressing the issues to which continue to plague relations between both our countries. It was made clear that despite the level at which previous discussions took place and the positions adopted, the issues continue to recur,” she said.

Johnson-Smith said Trinidad and Tobago had failed to:

• Put in place proper, dignified facilities at the Piarco Airport to accommodate nationals who are denied entry:
• Address the high level of Jamaicans being denied entry; and
• Address the treatment of Jamaican nationals by Trinidadians.

Johnson-Smith said the letter was delivered on Friday and said her information was that Moses would be taking the letter to his country’s Cabinet this week.