GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Guyana says it is moving to tighten up on measures aimed at curbing the influx of illegal immigrants in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in light of recent discloses in Trinidad and Tobago of its nationals being linked to overseas terrorist organisations.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, said the Trinidad and Tobago Minister of National Security, Edmund Dillon, had indicated that more than 100 nationals of that country were linked to the terrorist group, ISIS.

Harmon said it was therefore important for Guyana to beef up its immigration measures.

 “We cannot be aware that something is happening in our neighbours yard and do not take steps to ensure we correct it here,” Harmon said.

“We have to ensure that we protect Guyanese, we protect our image internationally and so that we will not become another hot bed for extremism in this region, so yes we have to tighten up our immigration and it has to do with illegal entry into Guyana as well as for the security purposes.”

Harmon said that there will not be a ban on citizens travelling to and from places that are known terrorist threats unless the person engages in activities that raises a red flag.

“Once a red flag raises, they (immigration) basically do their investigation. The intention of course is to ensure that we provide safety to Guyanese,” Harmon stated.

Additionally, the minister pointed out that the government will not put measures in place that prevent CARICOM nationals from entering Guyana.

He said that the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the 15-member CARICOM grouping, facilitates and allows for movement of persons across the region.

“Unless we have some higher information which identifies a person as a security risk or they are involved in something illegal then of course our immigration officers will be required to take action,” Harmon added.