By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE illegal sex trade is not isolated to the borough of Chaguanas and singling out one area, especially without concrete evidence can be detrimental to economic development in that area.
This is according to President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce Richie Sookhai.
Speaking to AZPNews.com on Monday, Sookhai said, “ The CCIC on behalf of the business community in Central would like to state that we are against all illegal and criminal activity in the borough of Chaguanas.
“While the statement made in parliament last week Friday concerning prostitution in the borough was unfortunate, we would like to note that Chaguanas is not the only area in the country where this illicit activity exists.”
He said the CCIC and business community in Chaguanas have collaborated with the Central Division to fight all criminal activity within the borough and while prostitution may be one of these illegal activities, statements concerning the pervasiveness of unlawful activities in particular regions should be accompanied by statistics.
“Singling out one area, especially without concrete evidence can be detrimental to economic development in that area. As a country, if the authorities know, and have collected evidence of such activities taking place in certain areas, they should act on it,” Sookhai said.
He said questions must be asked about the ability to enter the country by the Venezuelans
A critical question that should be asked is: “If Trinidad and Tobago is so attractive to the migrant community, why are mechanisms not in place for the prospective migrants to register for a work permit and be granted decent work at a fair wage?”
The Chamber President said the CCIC continued to work with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to fight all crime in the borough, where citizens can feel safe and migrants can be protected.
The two Chaguanas Members of Parliament Dinesh Rambally and Vandana Mohit, Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed and MP for Caroni East Dr Rishad Seecheran have all spoken against the statements made by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in Parliament last Friday that Chaguanas was a desired place for sex workers.
