'Not all Jamaicans are pests, nuisances', says T&T talkshow host

Sherine Williams, Gleaner Writer

The Trinidadian talk show host who made local headlines after referring to Jamaicans as "pests" and "nuisances" says his comments were not directed at all Jamaicans.

Earlier this week, while speaking about Jamaicans on Power 102 FM in Trinidad, Barrington ‘Skippy’ Thomas, said he supports immigration officials who turned back Jamaicans attempting to enter Trinidad and Tobago.

However, speaking with The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre this afternoon, Thomas said his comments were only meant for Jamaicans who commit crimes in his country.

Thomas said he stands by his comments because many Jamaicans are invited to Trinidad to carry out criminal activities.

He says this is an embarrassment to law-abiding Jamaicans in Trinidad.

Tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have heightened since some Jamaicans reported being treated harshly by immigration officials before being deported from Port of Spain.

Many Jamaicans have also called for a boycott of products from Trinidad and Tobago.