National Security Minister Stuart Young says while the recent incident of Venezuelan nationals drowning en route to Trinidad is indeed upsetting, it also shows a clear case of human smuggling.

Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, the Minister lamented that in this instance, such nefarious activity has led to the loss of lives.

“We continue to see all sorts of speculation about Trinidad and Tobago’s Coast Guard involvement in this, none of which is true. The available information suggests that this was an incident of human smuggling.”

Information from Venezuelan authorities show that the nationals left Venezuela on December 6th, one week before the first set of bodies were recovered at sea.

“Human trafficking and human smuggling are not to be encouraged. It is very sad that once again, the criminal elements involved in human trafficking and smuggling have, through their nefarious activities, caused the loss of lives, and we pray for their families,” the National Security Minister said. 

Minister Young confirmed that the government of Trinidad and Tobago is in continuous talks with Venezuelan authorities on the matter.