tidings
Newsday reporter
A MONTH after placing the country at its Tier II level (exercise increased caution), the US State Department has updated its travel advisory, moving TT to Level III – Reconsider travel to this country.
The crime was given as the reason for moving the State Department’s TT to level III.
There are four levels that the US uses to advise its citizens about visiting or working in a particular country – Level I: normal precautions are taken; Level II: exercise extra caution; Level III: reconsider travel and Level IV: do not travel.
In its update Wednesday, the State Department’s travel advisory urged Americans to reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago because of crime.
Those who still choose to visit TT should exercise extra caution in the country due to terrorism and kidnapping. Some areas in TT, the State Department said, are at increased risk.
The advisory said US government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the following areas in Port of Spain: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and inside Queen’s Park Savannah.
After dark, the advisory continued, US government personnel are prohibited from traveling to downtown Port of Spain, overlooking Fort George and all beaches. Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Port of Spain.
TT’s country summary was that violent crimes such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion and kidnapping were common.
Gang activity, such as drug trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, the State Department said.
The updated advice came on the day Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on National Security met to examine the factors contributing to the spread of illegal firearms and gun violence.
The rest of the advisory also warned Americans that terrorists could strike with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, sports main and cultural. events, educational institutions, airports and other public areas.
When the State Department updated its TT travel advice on October 5, there was a backlash from the government, with Homeland Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds questioning the reasoning behind the advice.
He argued that it had been several years since any criminal incident that could be classified as terrorist activity had occurred in TT and that kidnapping for ransom was almost non-existent.
The US embassy responded to Hinds’ criticism in a statement saying its October 5 update was “due to a change in health restrictions for Covid19” and that the advice “does not target specific countries”.
In its latest advisory, the State Department told its citizens if they still decide to visit TT, they should sign up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for Americans to deploy in emergencies.
As of press time Wednesday, the number of murders in the country stood at 523 for the year so far.
