Brits have been advised to avoid Trinidad and Tobago due to “persistent violent crime and criminal activity” in the Caribbean country. The Trinidad and Tobago government imposed the state of emergency on March 3 and now the UK Foreign Office has given an update on its travel advice.
While the FCDO is not advising against travel to the country, holidaymakers are urged to exercise caution and should follow the instructions of police and local authorities. There is no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, but the FCDO said attacks “cannot be ruled out” and warned that such attacks “could be indiscriminate”, including places visited by foreign nationals.
The Mirror reports that visitors are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. This includes taking small safety measures like avoiding wearing headphones when out and about, not walking at night or in poorly lit areas, keeping money and valuables somewhere safe and being careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs or changing money.
Tourists are also advised to be cautious about what you post online as social media platforms are “increasingly being monitored by criminals”. Visitors are urged to be especially cautious in certain areas of the country where violent crimes and robberies are rising. The FCDO adds: “In Trinidad and Tobago, there is a high level of violent crime, including gang-related attacks and shootings.
“Instances of homicides and armed robberies are rising. Be cautious particularly when travelling in or around: downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte street, south and west of Picadilly street, and north of Independence Square); Carenage, Sea Lots, Belmont, Laventille, Morvant and Beetham; Barataria and Cocorite; the interior of Queens Park Savannah
“Criminals may carry out attacks, ranging from the threat of violence to sexual assault and robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and murder. A significant portion of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago is gang-related.”
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