Will a Trini (or Tobagonian) make Hajj again?
Did you see the news tonight?
Many years ago (when my parents first made Hajj), the Saudi embassy used to send emissaries to process passports and visas for the pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
For various political reasons (so went the talk), they stopped coming. So the embassy in Caracas, Venezuela was assigned to the Caribbean. So pilgrims or the hajj leaders went there to get visas. Students go there too. Yes, our hajj visas were issued in Caracas last year too.
Well, the word was that they were coming again to Trinidad this year, and we were very happy because that Caracas trip is *stressful*.
On the news tonight, it was reported that a Saudi diplomat came in on Sunday to issue visas. On Monday the police came to his hotel room to interrogate and intimidate and search his room at the Hyatt. I think they said for guns…or whatever.
Why?
He travelled on a diplomatic passport and was met by representatives of the ministry of foreign affairs.
It’s outrageous.
Although I heard visas were issued this year, do you think they’ll ever come back to issue them?
They’ve already set small quotas for pilgrims coming…maybe they’ll stop us coming after all.
I am so ashamed but surprised?
If you know more, tell me. Right now, I’m watching IBN.
I cannot understand what’s going on. Obviously there’s more information, but even with “information” there are normally recognised procedures to follow re a diplomat. (had to use a different browser to log in…strange internet her!)
Comment by Chennette — Tuesday 3rd, November 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Yeah…and they say that for him to come he had to be approved. So all his documents were sent to Foreign Affairs and his visit was approved and such for his visa…and he was met.
And dad heard a conflicting story so who knows.
Either way, I’m upset.
Comment by Lilandra — Tuesday 3rd, November 2009 @ 9:27 pm
A disgusting situation but then as it stands in good old T&T nowadays anything is possible……
what about Diplomatic Immunity etc……
And last year our T&T Diplomatic representative was able to meet us as we entered the Arrival Hall in Jeddah Airport and stayed with us throughout Immigration and Customs and until we left for our hotel in Makkah. And no Saudi police and there were plenty around hassled the T&T Diplomat much less to intimidate ….
Comment by trinimom — Tuesday 3rd, November 2009 @ 9:53 pm
Damn, Lily! What is going on there? I’m so sorry to hear of your troubles. It’s just wrong. >:-(
Comment by PJ — Tuesday 3rd, November 2009 @ 11:03 pm
Just remembered ( as if one can forget the millions of taxpayers money and billions of our oil revenue being spent to host this event) ,……one wonders if the police is going to intimidate all the Muslim World Leaders from the Commonwealth Countries who will be coming for CHOGM…..for those who are not aware it is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings…..the Queen or representative will be here ….one wonders though with the crime situation and H1N1 deaths ( 5 to date in our small country) what will happen…..
Comment by trinimom — Wednesday 4th, November 2009 @ 7:10 am
the newspapers this morning say the ACP says it was just a polite questioning as they heard someone was issuing visas out of the hotel which was unusual – I hope it was polite but in any event, if it had to do with visas, they should know to check with foreign affairs first, you don’t just go and question diplomats just so, EVEN if you suspect the worst…and don’t some honorary consuls deliver visas out of their homes? or even hotels if they’re not resident in T&T? how unusual IS it?
Comment by Chennette — Wednesday 4th, November 2009 @ 7:50 am
Oh yes it is so true…..when I went to Syria I had my Visa issued from the Honorary Consul’s home …..hmmmmm
Comment by trinimom — Thursday 5th, November 2009 @ 9:01 am