– amidst Venezuela’s unrest
Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Gary Griffith has held talks with defence heads about TT’s borders as a result of the current unrest in Venezuela, which might cause people there to flee their homeland. Protests have been occurring in Venezuela since February 12. About ten people have been killed to date. Protests have continued into this week.
Government and opposition supporters blame each other for the situation. Opposition groups have accused the state of media manipulation and the government has accused international media of fuelling tensions and Venezuelan private media of manipulating the news.
On TT border security, Griffith noted that several years ago similar unrest in Haiti caused hundreds of people to flee to nearby Jamaica, illegally entering that country and causing tensions within the region. Griffith said: “We are looking at all matters where security for TT is concerned. I have met the Chief of Defence Staff and other agencies on such matters that may arise out of the current situation.” He added so far there had not been any reports of people trying to flee to TT which is seven miles across the Gulf of Paria.
Airlift plan still on table
Monday, acting Foreign Affairs Minister Roodal Moonilal said his daily update from TT’s Caracas embassy confirmed things were calm in Venezuela. “We were informed there are two groups of TT workers in Venezuela’s oil and gas industry, totalling 30 people, and the companies they work for have contingency plans in case evacuation is necessary,” he added.
Moonilal said government’s own contingency plan to airlift embassy and other TT nationals was still on the table at ministerial level.
Caribbean Airlines communications manager Clint Williams noted that governmental authorities said on Sunday that in the event of the evacuation of TT staff at the Caracas embassy and other TT nationals is necessary, CAL would be involved.
“If it becomes necessary, we will support any initiative to assist the Caribbean people,” he said.
Monday, Venezuelan national Ida Hernandez, who has lived in TT for over 20 years and has three children born in TT, said the last estimate of Venezuelans in TT was approximately 10,000, two years ago. She added: “But clearly by now it will be more.” (TT Guardian)
