Residents of Chaguanas are concerned about a possible influx of Venezuelan refugees into T&T and the busy central borough, Mayor Gopaul Boodhan said yesterday.
He was speaking with the media at a tree-planting exercise hosted by members of Soroptimist International (Chaguanas) to commemorate World Environment Day at the Borough’s Cumberbatch Street offices.
Boodhan said he has been bombarded by calls in recent weeks from residents who are concerned about the social and economic problems that may arise through an influx of Venezuelans seeking refuge here, due to the harsh economic situation currently existing in their country.
Only last week, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young said the Government was monitoring the situation and would increase the number of resources necessary in port areas like Icacos, if there’s need for it, to cope with increased numbers of Venezuelans entering T&T.
Boodhan said a huge concern by Central burgesses was the fact that while some Venezuelans would seek to enter the country legally, others may do so illegally.
He said the issue is worrisome to Central residents because the communities of Felicity and Charlieville are located on the coast and inland water channels and may act as an unofficial ports of entry for Venezuelan nationals.
But Boodhan said he is confident that the Government would take the necessary steps to alleviate any concern that may arise.
Head of Soroptimist International (Chaguanas) Claire Watson meanwhile said her organisation seeks to uplift the welfare of women and girls. She said the drive to plant in Chaguanas was part of the greater drive to beautify the borough.
The organisation also donated a basket of seeds to the mayor to give to staff at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation.