Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley yesterday warned against overplaying small immigration issues and added that Caricom heads had agreed that in the area of free movement of nationals, the issue of security should remain with the receiving country.
Speaking outside of the 37th heads of government meeting at the Pegasus Hotel, which ended yesterday, the Prime Minister urged his counterparts to ensure that their nations understand the importance of being part of Caricom. Rowley, who took the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) to the agenda of the meeting, dismissed suggestions that his country has been unfairly treating Caribbean nationals who attempt to enter.
“I think our position is that the determination of security is a matter for the…state…,” the Prime Minister told reporters while adding that the protocol will be adopted with the understanding that there are some reservations and these will remain with the receiving country.
Rowley said he was “very satisfied” with the talks as there is not only enthusiasm among the heads but an acknowledgement that it is long past the time for the matter to be on the table and that they should move towards the advancement of free trade, capital and business among the countries.
“In the absence of progress in this area my concern has been and continues to be that there are negative developments which could damage, very severely, our potential as small trading nations and damage the potential for growth as held out by our countries, operating as a larger unit,” the Prime Minister said.
