Based on the media coverage and analysis of the apparent rapid growth of Chinese and other immigrants over the past decade, this column strongly suggests the Chinese immigrant community and migrants from other parts of the world ought not to be subjected to any form of hostility, discrimination and unequal treatment. This, bearing in mind the significance of our constitution, the words of the national anthem, the tenets of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the articulations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination (ICERD). What anyone can find embedded within these international instruments are the characteristics of our constitution, incorporating serious overarching human rights and principles of natural justice (as found in the realms of administrative and constitutional law), issues that this Government must consider. Rather than casting furtive glances at these immigrant communities, a stringent and rigorous examination ought to be directed at the continuing absence of a People's Partnership's (PP) policy on migration, national security and transnational offending.
Of particular concern to the public is, what has been initiated by the current ministers in national security for the past year, outside of piloting bills? What about cumulative ideas and strategies to enhance immigration, delivery of services, effective policy driven directions, meaningful enforcement and intelligence strategies to aid in the fight against transnational organised crimes, established accountable monitoring and compliance mechanisms? There are clear reasons why Trinidad and Tobago is an attractive destination for global migrants; these include its oil and gas resources, location, skilled labour force, porous borders and a cultural ethos system that perhaps encourages the convergence of officialdom with facilitators of white collar criminal activities. One can also argue whether or not these honourable PP Ministers were entrusted with overwhelming responsibilities which made demands that may have transcended their intellectual capabilities in these specialised fields, especially in a post 9/11 international security environment? A rather disturbing manifestation is Minister Sandy's statement as published in the Trinidad Guardian, of April 27, 2011, "that Trinidad and Tobago remains a soft target for terrorists".
Given the spate of activities in the Immigration Department, both Ministers appear to be handicapped in two ways. First, their current knowledge of the inner and operational activities of the Immigration Department, and secondly, absence of a well-documented policy with relevant focus on migration, national security, transnational organised crimes and modernised legislation incorporating our international obligations, combined with apparent limitations of ministerial expertise in these fields. Against these hurdles, it is important to note what the latest Report 2010, published by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and why it is so important for developing nations like Trinidad and Tobago to have policy driven imperatives.
World Migration Report of 2010
In its Report 2010, the IOM stated that "international migration is likely to transform in scale, reach and complexity, due to growing economic disparities, the effects of environmental change, new global political and economic dynamics, technological revolutions and social networks." As such, "migration is a constant and dynamic phenomenon increasingly requiring a diversified policy, and where state capacities around the world for managing migration are limited."
What is the Government policy?
As pointed out in this column before, this current Government does not possess an articulated immigration policy which can effectively encapsulate the nation's domestic and international interests involving migration and transnational offending. As a matter of fact, any contemplated immigration policy must be applied in a manner "that would promote accountability and transparency by promoting and enhancing public awareness of immigration programmes." In this regard, such a policy would incorporate several components of national security, encapsulating economic growth, investments, safety, international security and justice, international co-operation and building of alliances. Additionally, our investment strategy is inextricably linked to our national security and economic interests. The very ministries of foreign affairs, trade and industry, national security, tourism, labour and sports form segments of the national security imperatives. Thus, it makes sense for all stakeholders to consolidate and formulate a defined policy with objectives and applications in meeting our domestic and international interests. The Immigration Department is a very vital cog in economic development, protection of human rights, intelligence and preventing transnational organised crime. There is a need for a specialised National Security Board to aid the Government in the areas of migration, national security and transnational offending.
Who benefits
Chinese migration is not new to T&T, and one must bear in mind the very meaningful contributions made to the development of national life. What creates the challenges and fuels the public's perception of corruption is again the lack of public awareness of immigration programmes and services. The Ministry of National Security must be proactive in this respect or else issues ranging from the mode of arrival, language difficulty, financing the establishment of businesses around the country, and issuance of permits would perhaps raise a hornet's nest. The fast tracking of residences, extensions, paying of taxes, issues of criminality, illegal migrant smuggling, human trafficking, elements of organised crime and satisfying of all immigration requirements would be a need for concern. Heightened public interest soars amidst a stagnant economy, growing unemployment, and complaints by local businessmen foists public attention on these foreign nationals. In spite of all these challenges, the migrant community continues to make valuable contribution to nation building.