By Sue-Ann Wayow
ON the same day that Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds said serious offences except murders were down, the United States advised its citizens against travelling to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime.
On Tuesday, the US Department of State updated its travel advisory to Trinidad and Tobago to a level three alert – reconsider travel.
The travel advisory levels are:
1- Exercise normal precautions;
2- Exercise increased caution;
3- Reconsider travel; and
4- Do not travel.
Singling out Port of Spain and its environs, the US State Department warned against violence related to gangs, terrorism and kidnapping.
It stated, “Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.”
US government personnel are prohibited from travelling to the following areas in Port of Spain: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of the Queen’s Park Savannah.
After dark, US government personnel are prohibited from travelling to downtown Port of Spain, Fort George lookout and all beaches.
Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Port of Spain, the US Department of State published.
For Trinidad and Tobago country summary, the website states that violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping, is common.
Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking was common, it stated, noting that a significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
On Tuesday, during a matter on the adjournment in the Senate brought by United National Congress (UNC) Senator Wade Mark, Hinds said woundings, shootings, rapes and kidnappings for ransom were down for this year.
