Denial of entry into Trinidad

Sep 10, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Please carry this letter in your newspaper. I wrote it as a direct appeal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The letter follows – I write to you for your kind assistance in resolving the above mentioned matter. For approximately nine years I have been residing in Trinidad and Tobago as an honest law abiding citizen. I am currently employed with Actavo as a Quantity Surveyor using the skills certificate provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guyana.
On 5th September, 2016, I returned to Trinidad from vacation in the United States and the Bahamas on Jet Blue Flight 1021 from Florida. Upon my return, I was denied entry in Trinidad. I was told that Trinidad did not recognize my skills certificate. This came as a shock to me since I have been using my certificate before without incident. My certificate number is (No. 101/12). I was not given in writing a reason as to why I was denied entry into Trinidad & Tobago.
The Immigration Officer asked that I provide a bond of $1,700 TTD which was provided, but subsequently refused. I was then asked to leave Trinidad. The bond money was used to purchase my ticket to Guyana.
I have three children, and two of whom are Trinidad & Tobago citizens. On the same day, my son was taken to Mount Hope Children’s Hospital with a lung infection and asthma. I explained the situation to the immigration officer who responded in a hostile manner saying “we cannot do nothing about that”
The situation has caused me great distress since my wife is left with the responsibility to care for our sick son and other children, which is impossible for her to manage without me. My family needs me. I have travelled in and out of Trinidad without incident for many years so this comes as a surprise to me. I also have to return to work on Wednesday September 7, 2016. I am kindly requesting your assistance in resolving this matter because my family needs me and I not only risk losing my job but car among other things. Any information needed will be provided.
Cephil Hodge

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