Trinidad and Tobago imposed a state of emergency due to “persistent violent crime and criminal activity” and UK Foreign Office has given an update on its travel advice
Trinidad and Tobago(Image: Getty Images/Hemis.fr RM)
UK tourists have been issued a warning after a Caribbean country declared a state of emergency. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago.
On March 3 the Trinidad and Tobago government imposed the measure due to “persistent violent crime and criminal activity”. Now the FCDO has issued guidance to Brits.
According to the FCDO, the emergency measures give authorities in the Caribbean nation additional powers of search, arrest and detention, although no curfew or restrictions on movement have been imposed, The Mirror reports. 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.
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In a travel update in March, the FCDO said: “The Trinidad and Tobago government introduced a State of Emergency on 3 March. The State of Emergency was introduced following persistent violent crime and criminal activity and gives authorities additional powers of search, arrest and detention.
Tobago, Pigeon Point(Image: Getty Images)
“No curfew or restrictions on movement have been imposed. Follow the instructions of police and local authorities.”
While there is no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, the FCDO said attacks “cannot be ruled out” and warned that such attacks “could be indiscriminate”, including places visited by foreign nationals.
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 Piccadilly 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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