Outrage after doctor heard warning staff not to hire Afro-Trinidadian nurses

A doctor in Trinidad and Tobago has come under fire after he was heard making disparaging remarks against Afro-Trinidadians, urging a member of staff not to hire any black nurses.

Dr. Avinash Sawh is heard in two voice notes which have since gone viral in the twin island republic urging a staff member, who listeners come to learn is named Arielle, not to hire any black nurses, noting that all job seekers must send a photo ID with their application.

“Yea Arielle, me and Allison talking here and a lot of patients racial so we prefer an Indian nurse, a lot of people don't like – I not racial- I just saying a lot of people don't want Negro nurses dealing with them, right. So, I just have to do what is best for my business, is a vibes I just get as I tell you so. Just tell all them applicants to send a photo ID,” said Sawh in a voice recording.

“Like Tracey Charles, I don't know if Charles is Negro or Indian, but most likely she is Negro or mixed but I want to know so, tell Tracey Charles send a photo ID, call she and tell she please,” added Sawh.

In a second clip the alleged doctor referred to Afro-Trinidadians as ‘monkeys' and called members of the police service ‘dunce'.

“Me not racial but everybody doing it is only Creole…no Indian…only Creole does do them thing. They want to kill and beat up people and rob people business and things…and bawling black lives matter. They does get on like f***ing monkey,” said Sawh.

The voice notes have sparked outrage in the Afro-Trinidadian community, forcing the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association to condemn the incident.

“An unfortunate event has been brought to the attention of the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (T&TMA) regarding the alleged use of discriminatory language by a member of the fraternity. We wish to, in the strongest manner possible, condemn all forms of discrimination,” said the association.

The association further noted that it supports any investigations into the matter.

Trinidad and Tobago often experiences racial friction between its two main ethnic/racial groups which make up the bulk of the population, descendants of Africans and Indians.