Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs has received a report on the refusal of entry to twelve (12) Jamaican Nationals into Trinidad and Tobago on 21st March, 2016. The passengers arrived at Piarco International Airport on Caribbean Airlines flights BW459 at 7:53 p.m. and BW455 at 8:43 p.m. and departed for Kingston, Jamaica at 7:50 am the next morning (22nd March).
Section 8 (1) (h) of the Immigration Act denies entry to persons who may be deemed likely to become charges on public funds. All of the passengers were denied entry in accordance with this Section.
In keeping with Section 21 of the Immigration Act, both the passengers and Airline were duly notified and served with the relevant notices. At approximately 11.00 pm, the passengers were taken into the care of the airline - Caribbean Airlines Limited, to await an outward-bound flight to Kingston, Jamaica on Caribbean Airlines flight BW414 at 7:50 a.m. on 22nd March, 2016.
Sections 32 and 34 of the Act outline the responsibility of the airline when passengers are refused entry. Section 34 (c) specifically mandates the company to treat all such persons in a humane manner and to provide them with meals.
Accordingly, they were taken to the Customs and Excise section of the airport for a baggage check, then escorted upstairs to the departure lounge area where they remained in the presence of the security company contracted by Caribbean Airlines. The twelve persons were served a meal and drinks and were provided with blankets by representatives of the airline in keeping with usual airline procedure. They had access to a water cooler and were escorted to the washroom facilities on the lower level of the terminal building upon request, as repairs to those facilities in the departure lounge were then being undertaken. All departing passengers are directed to this facility on the lower level pending the completion of the repair works.
On 31st March 2016, Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, met with His Excellency David Prendergast, High Commissioner for Jamaica to Trinidad and Tobago. All related issues were discussed in an open, frank and courteous fashion befitting the strong relationship between both countries.
Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
Official Document: Refusal of entry to Jamaican nationals into TT April 1 2016
