Gail Alexander
Senior Political Reporter
Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne has challenged the efficacy of the Government’s e-Visa and e-Student portals and Mayaro MP Rushton Paray has commended the Auditor General for her stand in the face of recent attacks by the Government. They did so in statements on Wednesday afternoon.
Haynes-Alleyne, Paray and three other Opposition MPs have been calling for the United National Congress (UNC) to hold national executive elections in June and have been criticised by party officials who have said there was no word of postponement and the internal polls will be held when constitutionally due. The MPs have also criticised UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s performance. The group has been holding meetings with UNC members.
Last Friday, four of the five were present in Parliament but left before a Government motion on matters pertaining to the Auditor General came up for a vote. The government’s 19 votes passed the motion. The UNC only had 14 of its 19 MPs present as the five were absent. Persad-Bissessar later said if all 19 had been present, the vote would have been deadlocked and the motion defeated. The party’s deputy political leader Roodal Moonilal, speaking at a UNC media briefing on Wednesday, accused the group of propping up the government with their actions.
In her statement yesterday, Haynes-Alleyne challenged the efficacy of the Immigration Division’s e-Visas and e-Student online portals for persons entering T&T. She said while the portals replace previous procedures, they have the same drawbacks which she raised in a May 2023 Parliamentary committee meeting that discussed the treatment of migrants. She said applicants require a valid passport and proof of entry stamp.
“Many children of registered Venezuelan migrants in T&T simply cannot produce those documents, whether due to families fleeing and not having those documents, or persons having been registered following illegal entry to T&T,” she said.
“Rather than simply introducing more misdirected policies, the government must develop a strategy that specifically addresses this issue. They have the data, they registered migrants who entered T&T and they know how many of those registered persons entered illegally. They must now use that data to make proper policy provisions. It’s unconscionable these persons were allowed to register to work but are being prevented from accessing basic services such as education,” Haynes-Alleyne added.
Paray commended the Auditor General for her “courage and determination in defence of the integrity of her office amidst recent challenges.”
He said in his statement: “In the face of what can only be described as unjust politically motivated attacks, the Auditor General has exemplified the values of integrity, accountability and unwavering dedication to duty.
“Her decision to take a bold stand against attempts to undermine the independence of her office serves as a beacon of hope for all.”
Paray underscored the need for “a culture that prioritises the common good above all else.”
He added: “We must cultivate a culture of unity where we work tirelessly for T&T’s best interests.”