Illegal J'can immigrants in T&T say they are contributing positively to economy

Andre' Williams, STAR Writer

Despite recent claims by Trinidad and Tobago security minister Gary Griffith that Jamaicans living illegally in the twin-island republic are milking the government $1 billion, Jamaicans among the marginalised group said they are contributing positively to the economy.

Since it became apparent that approximately 19,000 Jamaicans were illegal in Trinidad and Tobago, based on immigration data, as stated by Griffith, THE STAR sought the views of three such Jamaicans, a male and two females, about how they felt on being regarded as burdensome on the government of T&T's pocket.

They were adamant that though this may be the case, they were not shaken as they claimed to be contributing to the twin-island republic's economy, more so than some Trinidadians.

Miguel Cole, a security guard in T&T, said he overstayed. However, he is gainfully employed and has been living a clean and positive life. Cole also told THE STAR he has not regularise out of fear of being deported.

Marsha Wilson, 24, said she went to Trinidad and got married and has since been living there, paying bills, paying taxes and contributing positively to the economy. She told THE STAR living conditions in Jamaica impacted her move there.

Another Jamaican said after visiting T&T and seeing the opportunities that existed, she decided to relocate indefinitely.

"I'm here working two jobs and taking care of myself and family back in Jamaica. The revelation made by the minister may have been over-exaggerated. However, I decided I was not going back to Jamaica for now, jus a gwan work and keep positive," said 27-year-old Renay Newby.

Newby, considered an alien in T&T, said she has heard of the strains caused by Jamaicans, like herself, who are not regularised. In relation to this, she said there are Trinidadians who do not want to work, hence the need for Jamaicans to pick up the slack.

Meanwhile, Griffith drew the ire of both foreign affairs Minister A.J. Nicholson and his Opposition counterpart, Edmund Bartlett, when he reported that 19,000 Jamaicans in the country illegally are placing a heavy burden on the country's government.

Griffith said he had ascertained that 19,000 Jamaicans were in the country illegally, based on information from the country's immigration department. Griffith, however, said the government does not intend to launch a witch-hunt for these persons.

Names changed