Тринидад и Тобаго призывает создать национальный совет для управления миграцией венесуэльцев

The movement of Venezuelan nationals into Trinidad and Tobago over the past decade represents one of the most significant demographic changes in our nation’s recent history. While the rate of arrivals may fluctuate because of economic, political or natural events, including the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, the reality is that there continues to be a steady movement of people between our two countries. Migration on this scale is not unique to T&T. History has demonstrated in countries throughout Europe, North America, South America and the Caribbean that sustained migration inevitably produces profound sociological, cultural and economic changes. These changes are neither inherently positive nor negative—they depend largely on how well governments anticipate, plan for and manage them. Our response should therefore move beyond viewing migration solely as an immigration or border security issue. It should instead be regarded as a long-term national development issue requiring coordinated planning across multiple ministries and agencies. As neighbouring nations with long-standing historical, geographic and economic ties, it is reasonable to expect that many Venezuelans who have settled here will continue to contribute to our economy, establish families, educate their children, and become an enduring part of the social fabric of T&T. This reality calls for thoughtful planning rather than reactive responses. I respectfully suggest that the Government consider developing a comprehensive National Migration Integration and Social Cohesion Strategy, coordinated by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services together with the ministries responsible for National Security, Education, Health, Labour, Culture, Housing, Local Government and Planning. Such a strategy could include the following components: 1. Demographic planning • maintain reliable national data on migrant populations; • forecast future demands for schools, healthcare, housing and social services; • monitor settlement patterns throughout T&T. 2. Social cohesion and community integration • encourage programmes that strengthen mutual understanding between citizens and migrants; • promote community activities that foster respect for the traditions, languages and customs of both populations; • develop mechanisms for conflict prevention and community mediation where necessary. 3. Education • expand English language support where required; • ensure children entering schools receive appropriate educational and psychosocial support; • encourage multicultural education that promotes tolerance and national identity. 4. Healthcare • strengthen primary healthcare capacity in communities experiencing increased population growth; • ensure appropriate vaccination, maternal and child health services, mental health support and communicable disease surveillance. 5. Employment and economic development • promote lawful employment and discourage exploitation of vulnerable workers; • identify sectors where migrant labour complements rather than displaces local employment; • encourage skills recognition and entrepreneurship where appropriate. 6. Cultural preservation and enrichment • support initiatives celebrating the rich cultural heritage of T&T while encouraging respectful cultural exchange; • recognise that music, food, language and artistic traditions often become sources of national enrichment when managed within an inclusive framework. 7. National security • maintain effective border management; • strengthen registration and identity systems; • improve intelligence sharing and enforcement against human trafficking, organised crime and illegal migration networks while protecting genuine refugees and vulnerable persons. 8. Housing and urban planning • anticipate increased demand for affordable housing; • prevent the development of informal settlements lacking adequate sanitation and infrastructure. 9. Research and policy monitoring • establish partnerships with The University of the West Indies and other institutions to continuously study migration trends, labour markets, education, public health and social integration, allowing policy to evolve based on evidence rather than perception. Experience across many countries demonstrates that societies are most successful when they invest early in integration, social cohesion and sound public administration. Failure to plan can place unnecessary pressure on public services and community relations, whereas proactive planning can transform demographic change into an opportunity for economic growth, cultural enrichment and regional cooperation. This is therefore an opportune time for T&T to adopt a forward-looking national strategy that recognises migration as a long-term reality requiring careful planning, evidence-based policy and compassionate leadership. Such an approach would strengthen national resilience while preserving the values, identity and social harmony that define our nation. I do suggest the following: • recommend establishing a National Migration and Integration Council chaired by the Ministry of Social Development, with representatives from National Security, Health, Education, Labour, Housing, Culture, UWI, employers, trade unions, faith-based organisations, and civil society; • develop a ten-year Migration Impact Plan with measurable indicators for school enrolment, housing demand, healthcare utilisation, employment, language integration, and community cohesion; • encourage periodic public reporting so that policy is guided by transparent data rather than anecdote or speculation.