Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Activists and migrant advocates are urging the Government to extend the migrant registration period, warning that vulnerable indigenous migrants—particularly members of the Warao community—risk being excluded due to lack of documentation, limited access to technology, and fear of coming forward.
The online registration process began on January 26 and officially closed at midnight. Migrants who successfully registered are scheduled for in-person interviews between March 2 and 27.
However, advocates say the timeline did not adequately account for the realities facing indigenous communities, especially those living in remote areas.
Close to 100 indigenous migrants gathered in Moruga yesterday to complete their registration before the deadline. Volunteers and several organisations supporting migrants assisted the effort.
Grand Chief of the First Peoples’ Sovereign Nations in Trinidad and Tobago, Eric Lewis, said the exercise was critical because many indigenous migrants lack basic identification documents.
Since the registration drive began, roughly 150 adults have been assisted, along with an estimated 40 to 50 children. Children are registered under their parents, though temporary birth information has had to be prepared in some cases to link with health records.
Managing director of La Casita, Andriena Briceno Ventura-Brown, said hundreds of migrants have accessed support through outreaches in Moruga, Icacos, and other communities. She described confusion over documentation requirements and fear among some migrants, particularly those with deportation or separation orders.
“Some people are afraid to come forward. They are afraid of being re-victimised or detained after the process finishes,” she said.
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander said final data on migrant registration will be released soon.
