Commentary: Impact of US travel ban on Caribbean nations …

James H:

As a serving, Police Officer, yourself Brenton Smith, you no doubt see the need for the good and proper functioning of Law and Order in SVG, as would be expected in the United States of America. However, from your post here one is not too sure of this, as you have not made it abundantly clear that you are against all law breakers no matter what.

Firstly, may one note now that illegal immigrants to any country are by their very nature, are in that country unlawfully and by all countries rules, are to be removed.

There are laws and rules we know, whereby immigrants to any country may enter that country legally and those wishing to be immigrants, must adhere to those Laws and rules as set out. Vincentians in the USA are by no means, any exception to those laws and rules, no matter what their economic circumstances at home in SVG may be.

Secondly, the Trump “Executive Order” was not a “Muslim ban” but an order, temporarily banning some travellers to the USA from just six countries that so happens to be majority Muslim states. To write of it as a Muslim ban, is to fall in line with the anti-Trump Liberal/Left groupings of individuals who will not accept an election defeat and to misrepresent the Order.

Indeed, President Obama had introduced a similar ban during his time in office and for a larger number of countries, yet there was never an outcry from any quarter.

However, returning to the vexed question of illegal Vincentians and other Caribbean nationals in the United States. You write that those supporting the travel ban may not have thought of “the possible impact this is likely to have on our Caribbean countries, especially economically”. But why should their economic concerns override adherence the country’s Immigration LAW?

Further, that “The remittances” sent home by those illegals, “contribute significantly to our GDP may be affected.” Should not in any way override yours and our upholding of the laws of the land pertaining to illegal immigration! Think carefully therefore of what you support!

The fact that so many Caribbean Governments govern by default, failing to grow their economies, SVG in particular, causing their citizens to seek theirs and their family’s prosperity elsewhere, can never be an excuse for any individual to circumvent a country’s immigration Law.

You further write that “Persons are literally afraid to go to work, to church and even to go to their doctor’s appointment.” But…………… “to go to Church”? What? Christians are particularly obliged to uphold the Law and not to engage themselves in illegality! Therefore, what kind of Christians are these may one ask you?

Vincentians like all others who seek to better themselves in the USA, should like all others too, go through the proper channels and comply with all of the relevant measures as set down by the U.S Administration. One cannot in any way support illegal entry into the USA Brenton, for the very reason that the act of illegal entry, is illegal.