National Security Ministry statement on Bernard Campbell

This effectively clears the way for his re-entry into Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministry this morning informed the Opposition Leader, Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and the Charge D’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Port-of-Spain, Mr Len Kusnitz of the decision to immediately cancel the rejection order against Mr Campbell.

These are the facts.

Reason for the denial of entry:

On April 15, 2010, Mr Campbell entered the country, declaring that he would be here on business.

One day later, on April 16, 2010, according to newspaper reports, Mr Campbell was introduced by the Opposition Leader as the person heading her Election Campaign. This introduction took place at Rienzi Complex, Couva, the UNC’s headquarters. Further, it was learnt that Ernie Ross Advertising Limited was the entity charged with contracting Mr Campbell’s firm.

This disclosure by the Opposition Leader that Mr Campbell was here to work was at variance with his official declaration that he was here on business. Upon recognising this discrepancy, the Chief Immigration Officer, on April19 2010, wrote to Ernie Ross Advertising Limited advising of the need for Mr Campbell and Mr Ross to attend a meeting later that day with immigration officials. This was in order to clarify Mr Campbell’s immigration status.

However Mr Campbell left the jurisdiction on the morning of the 19th so Mr Ross attended the meeting without Mr Campbell.

The way forward

In order to ensure that he is entering the country in compliance with the Immigration Act, those persons who are obtaining Mr Campbell’s services have since been advised of the course of action they should follow.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has a duty to ensure that the laws are upheld regardless of who the individual is or which organisation that individual represents.

The Ministry of National Security would also like to take this opportunity to inform political parties of the obligations of any person, other than a citizen or a resident, as it relates to their participation, in the national elections process, as contained in the relevant laws of Trinidad and Tobago.