The usefulness of the SARS form

THE EDITOR: I have noted comments by Ms Donna Yawching about the usefulness of the SARS advisory form that is handed out to passengers entering Trin-idad and Tobago, but it would appear to me that you do not take the time to read the customs declaration form that has been used in Trinidad and Tobago for the last 20 years. Contrary to your belief, Question 3 on our customs declaration form asks passengers to declare whether they are bringing firearms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics or other dangerous drugs into Trinidad and Tobago. This type of question appears on virtually every customs form in the world, and it is a legal requirement, as is the SARS declaration, since we have proclaimed SARS to be a dangerous infectious disease.

The analogy in your article, therefore, was completely erroneous. In addition, in the case of the SARS form, it is quite logical to expect persons who may be exhibiting the symptoms of SARS to be honest, since anyone who believes that they have SARS will want to get access to immediate medical attention, unless they have a death wish. There is also no comparison between a drug smuggler/terrorist, and a person suffering from SARS, since the former will be intent on concealing their identity and purpose, and the latter will be looking for help.

COLM IMBERT
Minister of Health