PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Matters of mutual interest to Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica will be discussed when Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley pays an official visit to Jamaica next month.

A release from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Rowely will be in Jamaica between July 17 and 21.

This visit follows an agreement between Rowley and Prime Minister Andrew Holness to bring to an end the ongoing dispute between both countries concerning immigration.

Relations between the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states have been strained over the decision of Port of Spain to deport a number of Jamaicans whom they said would have been a charge on the state for their stay having shown no means of sustaining themselves while in the country.

“The Jamaican Prime Minister and I agreed that the time has come that this matter be put to bed by the voice of T&T speaking directly to the people of Jamaica. I propose to do so myself,” Rowley said on his return from Cuba where he attended the summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) earlier this month.

The stance taken by immigration officials prompted several Jamaicans to call for a boycott of products from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state.

According to Rowley while in Cuba he met with Holness and other Jamaican officials who accepted the position of twin island republic that “there is no policy of discrimination against Jamaicans in T&T”.

Describing the dispute as unproductive and negative, Rowley said it would not be tolerated, especially by those who think they can prosper by “the fanning of these flames.”