The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will adopt a US policy to designate the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua as a terrorist group. Prime Minister Stuart Young reaffirmed this commitment, highlighting proactive legal steps amidst the absence of evidence regarding the gang’s presence. He also dismissed claims of Venezuelan migrants being registered to vote, clarifying that their previous registration does not confer residency rights.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has decided to adopt the United States policy that classifies the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua as a terrorist organization. This decision was announced by Prime Minister Stuart Young during a recent post-cabinet media conference, following his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jamaica. Young affirmed the government’s commitment to this designation, despite the current lack of evidence regarding the gang’s operations within Trinidad and Tobago.
Prime Minister Young indicated that the government would take proactive legal measures to officially identify Tren De Aragua as a terrorist organization. He emphasized that this approach would empower law enforcement to address potential threats effectively. In his words, they opted for a “pre-emptive strike” to equip themselves in case the gang’s activities extend to Trinidad and Tobago.
The Tren De Aragua gang originated in a notorious prison in Venezuela over a decade ago and has grown significantly amidst the exodus of over 7.7 million Venezuelans due to political and economic crises. The gang has already been recognized across various regions including the US and parts of Latin America. In 2017, former US President Donald Trump designated Tren De Aragua a terrorist organization, leveraging the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
In addition to addressing terrorism, Prime Minister Young refuted incorrect claims regarding the registration of Venezuelan migrants to participate in local elections. He asserted that the Elections and Boundaries Commission was not involved in registering these individuals as voters, describing such rumors as “completely false” and intentionally misleading. Young clarified that future policy actions regarding migrant registration would be determined by the Cabinet.
Furthermore, Young explained that Venezuelan migrants who registered previously would not gain any residency rights, reinforcing the humanitarian nature of their registration. He also noted that naturalized citizens would maintain all due rights, although the approval of citizenship applications remains at the discretion of immigration officers, who assess the legitimacy of circumstances such as marriages.
In conclusion, the Trinidad and Tobago government is adopting a firm stance against the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua by classifying it as a terrorist group, despite lacking evidence of its local operations. This strategic measure reflects a proactive approach to national security. Additionally, the Prime Minister successfully countered misinformation regarding the electoral rights of Venezuelan migrants, ensuring transparency and clarity in government actions and policies regarding immigration and citizenship. The ongoing humanitarian response continues to be a priority for the authorities as they navigate these complex issues.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
