Prime Minister Stuart Young says he has already engaged with at least one UK Government Minister to discuss the recent visa restrictions implemented.
On Sunday evening, then Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley called on the Government of the United Kingdom to review what he called an “unjust action” against the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“This treatment by the British Government should let all of you know how they view us. And if you believe, if you believe that they have come around to thinking that we are equals, you have another thought coming. Many of them still believe that we are substandard, we are inferior, and they should treat us as they want to treat us. Today, I want to call on our friends in the United Kingdom to review that unjust action against the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Dr. Rowley, who was speaking at the PNM’s Special Convention at Woodford Square in Port of Spain on his last evening as Prime Minister, noted that it should be a sign for Trinidad and Tobago to move away from the Privy Council.
He said T&T has been working with the UK to identify the “ragamuffins” who are leaving T&T to head to the UK seeking asylum.
“And if they cooperate with us, they wouldn’t have any refugee problem. But it is unfair. It is unjust. It is disgraceful that they will disregard our wider national interests, put a fee on us, and tell us why you have to come to us to have our Law Lords tell you what is right and wrong, you have to pay for a visa to come and do that. Trinidad and Tobago must complete its independence and get the hell out of the Privy Council.”
Speaking to reporters after being sworn in as Prime Minister on Monday morning, Prime Minister Stuart Young said progress has already been made.
“We have already engaged the UK Government with the people here. Also, at least one of their Government Ministers I’ve already had a meeting with. That Government Minister, virtually. I’ve made certain requests and yes, that is one of the areas. I will fight for Trinidad and Tobago in every way possible to build a better Trinidad and Tobago from the strong foundation that we have.”
Last week, British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Jon Dean, in a social media message, said the visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals headed to the United Kingdom was implemented from Wednesday, March 12th, in the wake of an uptick of T&T nationals seeking asylum in the UK.