(Trinidad Guardian) Seven Chinese nationals employed as chefs at Chinese restaurants in south Trinidad were hauled before a San Fernando magistrate yesterday for failing to have work permits. While they all pleaded guilty, five were were ordered to pay $1,000 forthwith or 90 days imprisonment and two were remanded in custody to re-appear on Monday. Admonishing the Chinese men for not adhering to the rules and regulations of the country, magistrate Alicia Chankar said locals were placed at a disadvantage. Pointing out that the primary industries Chinese were involved in were infrastructure and food, she said, “We have people (locals) here who are skilled workers for these areas.”
She said they were welcome to come here but proper channels needed to be followed. Said Chankar, “Laws and regulations are here for a purpose. In any given street you seeing ten (chinese) restaurants. From Cedros to San Fernando there are more Chinese restaurants than doubles vendors, which is scary.” The Fourth Court magistrate said many Chinese nationals did not understand English or even know the laws of the country. “It opens a can of worms…What about food health and safety?” she questioned. The chinese accused Huo Husa Luo, Qi Cai Su, 46, his son Canming Su, 19, Chu Cheng An, Tian Ke Fa, 31, Liu Chun Bao, Huang Ki Dong were all working without work permits at restaurants in Marabella and San Fernando.
They were arrested on May 4 by PC Ramsamooj and other Immigration officers. With the assistance of Chinese interpreter Carol Mitchell Williams, the court heard, in most instances, that the men never had a work permit. Attorney Dane Halls, however, said Qi Cai Su, co-owner of Ho Sing Chinese restaurant had two work permits which expired June 2010. However, he said, the accused had an interview for residency in June and was of the opinion that he did not have to re-apply for a work permit. Hall, who represented Su’s son also, who did not have a work permit but went to school here, said they were misled and begged for a chance.
