Complaints Of Harrassment Of Guyanese At Piarco

THE Trinidad and Tobago High Commission says it is unaware of allegations of harrassment of some regular Guyanese visitors to that Island.

The Mission’s response came amidst reports Monday, that nine Guyanese, some of them traders were turned back by Immigration authorities after disembarking from a BWIA flight on Monday, March 14.

Mr. Godfrey Naughton, one of the passengers said Immigration authorities there have recently been rejecting Guyanese on the grounds that they take goods to the twin-island Republic that are produced there, causing what they term unfair competition.

Naughton told Stabroek News that Customs officials seem not to have any objection to this and are simply levying duties as is the case normally.

“But the Immigration are the ones who seem to have something against Guyanese carrying goods. They are now standing close to the Customs to see what goods you have and then carry you back and stamp you out.”

He said the nine Guyanese, most of them females, were detained for close to 12 hours at Piarco Airport before being put on a return flight to Georgetown.

Colgate toothpaste and cotton garments appear to be the chief items Immigration authorities seem reluctant to accept.

Naughton says he is unhappy with the treatment meted out to the passengers. Guards were in evidence throughout the night and even ensured they’ boarded the aircraft, he noted.

“We were given no meals and allowed to use the facilities only after strong protest, he said.

The High Commission says no official word has reached it as yet.