Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
In a troubling breach of protocol, an immigration official left the Piarco International Airport on Monday with $38,000 in government funds and official receipt books, intending to deposit them in Port-of-Spain.
However, the officer not only disregarded the mandatory police or security escort, but also made an unauthorised stop at Trincity Mall to attend to personal matters, leaving the funds unattended in his vehicle.
This decision proved disastrous, as thieves broke into the official’s vehicle, making off with the cash and receipt books, which can now be used for fraudulent activities.
Adding to the controversy, police sources revealed that the official delayed reporting the crime, only filing a report at the Arouca Police Station on Tuesday—more than a day after the incident occurred.
The delayed reporting and the circumstances surrounding the theft have raised significant concerns among investigators, who are now questioning the official’s actions.
Immigration officers have also voiced their alarm over the security lapse, emphasising the severe implications of such breaches. They are calling on Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Keith Scotland, to conduct an independent investigation, as the Immigration Division falls under his purview.
Moreover, there are growing calls within the Immigration Division for acting Chief Immigration Officer Mary Roseann St Hill-Billouin to launch an internal investigation and take disciplinary action against the official.
Efforts to reach the official and St Hill-Billouin for comments have so far been unsuccessful, with questions directed to them remaining unanswered.