PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Nov 11 2016 – The Government is working to renew the travel documents of three of the five Trinidadians currently detained in Venezuela so they could return home.
Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Dennis Moses said three of the detainees’ passports have expired and they need new documents to facilitate their return home.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet press conference, Moses said a meeting scheduled on Wednesday between the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Caracas and the two agencies responsible for the men was cancelled.
He said the five Muslim men – Dominic Pitilal, Wade Charles, Leslie Daisley, Andre Battersby and Asim Luqman – are in the custody of the National Institute in Venezuela responsible for intelligence and the agency that treats with immigration matters.
He said he is hopeful the meeting would be held soon to allow for the issuance of the travel documents.
He said while his Government has not been allowed visiting rights, the detainees have been in constant contact with the embassy there and are said to be in good health.
He said the men were held on charges relating to conspiracy and espionage.
Stuart Young, Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General, said the men went through court proceedings, were found guilty and served their sentence.
In October, the Government said the men were being prepared for release and deportation back to Trinidad and Tobago.
