An 11 year old Venezuelan child who was among the 26 migrants detained for illegal entry into this country on November 24th, could face deportation when her Covid-19 quarantine is up.

This is as a result of High Court Judge Frank Seepersad on Tuesday rejecting an application made by the child’s mother, who is currently in Trinidad and has United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)asylum seeker status, for the girl to be permitted to stay in Trinidad and Tobago. 

The woman, while having UNHCR protection, does not have a T&T issued registration card permitting her to live and work in this country legally. 

In handing down his decision, Justice Seepersad said the woman had failed to prove that she or her daughter were fleeing grave persecution in their home country. 

He also condemned what he referred to as a “brazen and bold disregard” for TT’s immigration laws.

“There are many citizens in this republic faced with difficult economic circumstances and they too may wish to go to another country where economic prospects are brighter, but they cannot and should not be entitled to be refugees or asylum seeking status under the 1951 Convention,” Justice Seepersad said. 

The woman has, however, been granted permission to visit the child at the Heliport in Chaguaramas- to drop off a cell phone and food supplies. 

Justice Seepersad while there is need for reform of T&T’s migrant policy, the current Covid-19 pandemic means the State has to act in the interest of its own citizens by enforcing laws about illegal entry.