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News from the Caribbean as of
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Furore over CARICOM visas erupts in Australia
Wednesday, December 20, 2006by Michelle McSpadden
Caribbean Net News Special Correspondent
Email: michelle@caribbeannetnews.com
FORT LAUDERDALE, USA: The stipulation by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that Australian and New Zealand citizens must obtain a visa in order to visit the region for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup has resulted in a storm of protest from the Australian public.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, there are several issues. First is the perception of discrimination against Australians and New Zealanders, when non-cricket playing nations, such as Italy and Japan, are not required to have a visa.
Second is the apparent impossibility of obtaining such visas in Australia, with at least one travel agent reported as saying that no one from the CARICOM World Cup delegation has responded to her emails.
Third is the cost of the visa (US$100), announced with just three months to go before the start of the World Cup competition, on top of an already expensive trip to the Caribbean from Australia and New Zealand.
Lastly, the CARICOM World Cup delegation has been described as a “fiasco” by the honorary consul-general to Trinidad and Tobago in Australia, Mike Agostini, who has reportedly resigned “in disgust” at the situation. Furthermore, Mr Agostini says, the delegation couldn’t or wouldn’t pay him for office space he leased for them at their request.
Cricket Australia may raise the visa issue with the International Cricket Council, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
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