Dear Editor,

As a Trinidad and Tobago national studying journalism in Jamaica, I think it is time I make my comments on this issue of the 13 Jamaican nationals being denied entry into Trinidad, especially as I am seeing at my doorsteps the sort of tension and uproar this is causing between us.

Firstly, might I say how disappointed I am in the Jamaica Observer front page story published on the matter, which I think has set the agenda of sourness and bitterness in people. Your headline of ‘Stay out’ and your lead for the story was purely sensational, made assumptions, and seemed very bias. Many persons, as a result of this, have just sapped up what you said which gives the impression that Trinbagonians just hate Jamaicans. As a matter of fact, since I’ve been in this country, I realise that this is just a lie and a generalisation that stories like this are only perpetuate.

The incident which iccurred is a sad one, but the matter is still in its early stages. However, I was glad to see that statements were made on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago by our national security minister.

According to him, the persons denied entry did not all have proper documentation, etc, to be allowed entry into the country; such as claiming to have employment or saying that your had a host but unsure of their address, or coming for vacation without money. This is not something that happens to Jamaicans alone. It happens to Trinbagonians travelling to other countries. A passport, and a Caricom passport at that, does not give you an automatic entry into any country if ‘yuh papers’ not in order. I think somewhere along the line we have misunderstood what this free movement within Caricom means. Much of us Caricom nationals, inclusive of my fellow Trinbagonians, have not the slightest clue about the Caricom Skills Certificate, or even how it is accessed. Somehow I feel that the ruling of the Shanique Myrie case by the CCJ is making people feel that ‘hey, I could travel where I want and stay how long I please’ and that we can no longer be denied entry into another Caricom state. And if we are, as the Jamaica Observer puts it, this is in ‘direct breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas’… nonsense.

Just last month a couple Jamaicans were denied entry into Trinidad and the High Commissioner of Jamaica to T&T said that, upon investigation, they were in complete agreement with the grounds for the denial.

It is unfortunate that it appears my country is being anti-Jamaica and that some Jamaicans feel all of us in the Caribbean hate them and are jealous of them for their sporting and musical talent, while truth is “nuff” of us hashtaging #teamtessane and #teamcaribbean every monday when The Voice is on, and our radio stations play more dancehall than local music from Ash Wednesday till about November.

I do hope in depth investigations into the matter are done quickly and that if discrimination did occur, requisite reprimand be done, because that should not be tolerated.

And for the stupid Trinis making remarks about ‘Oh, we doh want them here… get out we country’. And Jamaicans calling us mere pebbles and rocks in the ocean, grow up, travel a little more and learn new cultures, appreciate diversity, and act educated and make informed statements. I wait for the day we can all appreciate the Caribbean for its uniqueness. Too much fish market rambling going on with this matter, and our panties and boxers are on too tight.

Kearn Williams

williams.kearn@gmail.com