Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08PORTOFSPAIN499
2008-11-10 11:08:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:  

GOTT SEEKS US APPROVAL WITH LEGISLATION ON CHILD

Tags:  PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA CACS TD 
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VZCZCXRO7463
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHSP #0499 3151108
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 101108Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9491
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000499 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR INL/LP, WHA/CAR, CA/OCS/CI, CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
PLEASE PASS TO KAREN DYER AND CAROLEE WALKER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA CACS TD
SUBJECT: GOTT SEEKS US APPROVAL WITH LEGISLATION ON CHILD
ABDUCTION

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000499

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR INL/LP, WHA/CAR, CA/OCS/CI, CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
PLEASE PASS TO KAREN DYER AND CAROLEE WALKER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA CACS TD
SUBJECT: GOTT SEEKS US APPROVAL WITH LEGISLATION ON CHILD
ABDUCTION

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY


1. (U) With the October 15 proclamation of Trinidad and Tobago's
new International Child Abduction Act, 2008, the GOTT believes that
they are now fully compliant with The Hague Convention on the Civil
Aspects of International Child Abduction and will seek international
approval of their ascension to the convention.


2. (SBU) In addition to establishing separate and distinct
legislation regarding child abduction, the Trinidadian act calls for
the establishment of a central authority to handle these cases.
Attorney General (AG) Brigid Annisette-George chose Legal Consultant
to the AG Nafeesa Mohammed to head the central authority and will
directly supervise this position.


3. (SBU) PolOff discussed the new legislation and Hague Convention
accession with Mohammed on the margins of a November 5 stakeholder's
conference hosted by the AG. Although logistics need to be
coordinated between Immigration and Police Services, the Ministry of
Social Development and local NGOs, Mohammed believes that once the
standard questionnaire for newly acceding States is completed, the
GOTT should be able to seek USG approval of T&T's accession. She
informed PolOff that her intention is to have all the documents
completed within three weeks and then apply for approval through
formal diplomatic channels.


4. (SBU) Comment: Nafeesa Mohammed is a former International
Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participant and remains a strong
Embassy contact in the AG's office. Her timetable for Hague
Convention accession might be ambitious based on the information
required from the Ministry of Social Services and the general lack
of communication among the enforcement agencies. Nevertheless,
since the majority of Trinidadian international abduction cases have
a U.S. nexus, Mohammed will push to complete the task. She cited a
current case with a Trini mother taking her child to New York as her
rationale. End Comment.


5. (U) Post will forward the formal request as soon as it is
received.

AUSTIN