Trinidad & Tobago National Security Minister Denies Coast Guard Involvement in Venezuelan Nationals’ Deaths
Minister Confirms Bodies Recovered on Shoreline
According to Venezuelan authorities, on December 6, 20 Venezuelans left on a boat en route to Trinidad and Tobago and a few days later, several bodies were found near the Venezuelan coastal town of Guiria. The National Security Minister, Stuart Young, confirmed during a sitting of the Senate on Tuesday that more bodies were recovered on the shoreline.
Dispelling Rumors of Coast Guard Involvement
Minister Young sought to dispel rumors that the Coast Guard was involved in the incident that has been linked to human smuggling. “We continue to see all sorts of speculation about Trinidad and Tobago’s Coast Guard involvement in this, none of which is true. The available information suggests that this was an incident of human smuggling,” he said.
Government in Constant Contact with Venezuelan Authorities
The Government is in constant contact with the Venezuelan authorities through the Minister and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and has reiterated that both Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela’s borders remain closed at this time. Minister Young emphasized that without the requisite permission and authority, migrants would be entering the country illegally.
Background on Venezuelan Migrant Crisis
The UN estimates that more than five million Venezuelan nationals have left their country since 2015 due to the ongoing economic and political crisis, some 25,000 of whom fled to Trinidad and Tobago.
Conclusion
Minister Young’s statements aim to clarify the situation and provide accurate information about the incident. The government’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting the safety of all individuals is evident in its actions and statements.
FAQs
Q: Was the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard involved in the incident that led to the deaths of the Venezuelan nationals?
A: No, according to Minister Stuart Young, there is no evidence to suggest that the Coast Guard was involved.
Q: What happened to the Venezuelans who left on a boat to Trinidad and Tobago?
A: The available information suggests that they were involved in an incident of human smuggling, which resulted in the loss of lives.
Q: What is the government doing to address the migrant crisis?
A: The government is in constant contact with the Venezuelan authorities and has reiterated that both Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela’s borders remain closed at this time. The government is also committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all individuals, including migrants.
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