Jamaica/Trinidad free movement talks begin

A meeting geared towards easing the tension between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago on the free movement of Jamaicans into the twin island republic, was held on Monday afternoon.

Winston Dookeran, Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Jamaican counterpart, A. J. Nicholson, briefly met with journalists and while not answering questions, stated that the treatment of  the Jamaicans at the Piarco International Airport  in Trinidad and Tobago has affected confidence in the regional integration movement  and could have other implications.

"But even closer to the people is free movement and hassle free travel, it is the single most important issue that affects t he perception of Jamaicans of the benefits of CARICOM" said Nicholson.

In response,  Dookeran acknowledged the strained relations between Jamaica and Trinidad, saying a trade war will have dire consequences said the issues must be addressed.

"Any misperception or misunderstanding of the issues will have to be clarified. We must deal with this on the basis of facts and on the basis of rules. We  must deal with this on the basis of portraying to the communities that we represent both here and abroad that I am not here to appease anything, I am here to work out a solution with my sister country in CARICOM and with you so that together we can walk ahead," Dookeran said.