Foreign af fairs minister to present statement on T’dad talks

AFORMAL statement outlining the most recent discussions between Jamaica and the twinisland republic of Trinidad and Tobago will be presented to the Senate soon.

This was disclosed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, while responding to questions posed by opposition members regarding relations between the two countries at Friday’s sitting of the Senate.

“The statement will provide a more complete update on where we are with the issues; suffice it to say that progress has been made,” she said. Senator Johnson Smith informed that although the new facilities for persons who have been denied entry has not been completed by its July deadline at the Piarco International Airport, another area has been constructed and renovated to “facilitate persons who are not landed.

“It was toured by Minister of National Security Robert Montague and our high commissioner on October 13. There are improvements which we have asked for, including the installation of a telephone,” she said. Senator Johnson Smith said the installation of the telephone will allow persons to communicate with relevant parties who could assist if the visitors have been denied entry.

She further noted that discussions were undertaken with Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Senator the Hon Dennis Moses, during the 71st United Nations General Assembly, which was held in New York from September 19 to 24.