Jamaican gay rights activist, Maurice Tomlinson, will this Tuesday begin the first stage of his challenge of immigration laws in Belize and Trinidad & Tobago when he appears before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
Mr. Tomlinson is challenging specific immigration laws in both countries on the basis that they restrict his free movement as a CARICOM national under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. There are particular immigration laws of Belize as well as Trinidad & Tobago which bar homosexuals from entering either country. Mr. Tomlinson filed separate suits against both states, but the matters have been consolidated for hearing.
Tuesday’s proceedings are for Tomlinson to seek special permission to bring the action as a CARICOM citizen, as these treaty issues are usually adjudicated between states. The proceedings will take place via video conference from the court's headquarters in Trinidad.
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