Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds met with the leadership of several organizations representing Venezuelan nationals currently in Trinidad and Tobago.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of National Security Head Office, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain today Friday May 21.
The Venezuelan nationals were represented by Mrs Hiedi Diquez, Mrs Alicia Urqui, and Mrs Gersy Goatache of the TTV Solidarity Network, Mrs Yesenia Gonzalez of the Refugee Community Network T and T, and Mrs Adreina Briceno of the La Casita organization.
In a release issued this afternoon, Minister Hinds underscored that the priority of the Government is the security and development of its citizens.
The Venezuelan representatives expressed their appreciation for today’s meeting, to discuss the challenges facing the Venezuelan community in Trinidad and Tobago, with particular emphasis on women and girls, and their increased vulnerability to human trafficking, and other forms of crime.
He however took the opportunity to assure that, all the courtesies and the application and protection of the laws of T&T will continue to be accorded to migrants in Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Hinds highlighted the Ministry’s Registration of Venezuelan Migrants in May 2019 and the subsequent Re-Registration Exercise in March 2021, which was conducted as part of Government’s humanitarian assistance to Venezuelan nationals in Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Hinds reiterated his commitment to the safety and security of all persons in Trinidad and Tobago.
He invited the Venezuelan representatives to continue to work with the Ministry of National Security towards ensuring that Venezuelan migration is grounded in adherence to the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
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