OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned the rising incidents of violent crime attributed to illegal Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago.
Citing crime reports, Persad-Bissessar expressed her outrage, particularly in light of the recent murder of 69-year-old Winston Thomas, a resident of Siparia in her constituency.
Thomas was found dead in his car along the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway after being violently attacked in his home. Witnesses reported hearing him being beaten and saw attackers, described as Spanish-speaking, forcing him into the back seat of his vehicle. His hands were reportedly tied, and he suffered fatal stab wounds.
Persad-Bissessar if elected into government she would not allow further tragedies to occur, stating, “The time has come to take action against Venezuelan migrants who are committing crimes daily against our citizens.”
She urged the Venezuelan migrant community to cooperate with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to help identify criminals within their ranks and to integrate peacefully into society.
The Opposition Leader highlighted the generosity shown by Trinidad and Tobago citizens in accepting Venezuelan migrants, noting that they have been granted access to schools, healthcare, and public amenities without paying the taxes that locals do.
She argued that this generosity has been exploited, leading to competition for jobs and increased criminal activity.
Persad-Bissessar criticized the current government for failing to establish a clear migrant policy, a concern that the United National Congress (UNC) has repeatedly raised. She vowed that her incoming government will take “aggressive action” to deport all illegal Venezuelan migrants if they do not cease their criminal activities.
“This is a clear choice for illegal Venezuelan migrants: peaceful, law-abiding habitation in our country or deportation,” she declared, emphasizing that the future of the migrant community in Trinidad and Tobago depends on their actions in the coming months.
The statement comes as the nation grapples with the dual challenges of local gang violence and growing concerns over the safety of its citizens, prompting calls for decisive action from the opposition.
