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Trinidad and Tobago

Volume 447: debated on Thursday 22 June 2006

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make representations to the relevant Trinidad and Tobago authorities on avoiding unnecessary delays to the appearance of witnesses travelling from the UK to appear in court cases in Trinidad and Tobago; and if she will make a statement. (78436)

Foreign and Commonwealth officials in London and our High Commission in Port of Spain have made representations to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago about delays encountered by British nationals appearing in court cases in Trinidad and Tobago. To address this problem, the Tobagonian authorities are introducing a 24 hour court for crimes against tourists. Tele-conferencing is also to be introduced so that foreign victims of crime can give evidence from their home countries. We welcome the announcement of these positive measures, and will monitor their practical implementation carefully.