A British MP says that Trinidad and Tobago nationals in the United Kingdom are “burning through their savings” and were terrified of failing to get home.
UK Foreign Office Minister Wendy Morton had to respond to the issue during questions in the Parliament on Tuesday.
MP for Wycombe Steve Baker raised the matter on behalf of T&T nationals in his constituency.
He said, “I have got Trinidad and Tobago residents or citizens in my constituency burning through their savings, really terrified about failing to get home to protect their homes and their businesses from approaching severe weather.
“Can I ask the minister if she will join me in calling on Trinidad and Tobago to make sure their citizens get home.
“I think it’s our common humanity to enable people to return to protect their homes.”
Morton advised T&T nationals to contact their High Commission in London.
She said, “The Trinidad and Tobago government decided to close its borders on the 22nd of March due to covid-19 and they remain closed.
“Consular support for T&T nationals remains the responsibility of their government.
“However FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) officials are in close contact with the T&T authorities and we advise all T&T nationals to contact the High Commissioner in London for assistance.
“I think it’s our common humanity to enable people to return to protect their homes.”
She said, “My Honourable friend makes a very important point in relation to people who are in his constituency.
“The FCDO has alerted the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission to cases of stranded Trinidad and Tobago nationals that we have been made aware of and supported affected individuals to contact the high commission directly.
“It’s also important to say that we have regular contact with our counterparts in T&T.”
