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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — The government is working to meet conditions for a United Kingdom review of its visa regime for Trinidad and Tobago nationals, while also pressing for reforms within CARICOM and monitoring regional health alerts, Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers said Thursday.
Sobers told reporters that Parliament recently passed advanced passenger information system legislation, a key step requested by London as part of ongoing talks on the visa requirement. He said other conditions are being addressed ahead of an upcoming UK review.
On CARICOM, Sobers said discussions continue on the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, with Prime Minister Keith Rowley in contact with regional leaders. He described differences of opinion within the bloc as normal and stressed that Trinidad and Tobago has no intention of leaving CARICOM.
Sobers said the government constantly examines funding levels to regional bodies but framed any potential changes in contributions as part of a broader push to make CARICOM more efficient and effective.
The minister also noted that the Ministry of Health is reviewing guidance from the Caribbean Public Health Agency on hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship. He said Health Minister officials would provide detailed briefings on screening and preparedness measures.