‘EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!’
HOMICIDE, sexual assault, robbery and even terrorist attacks are “commonplace” in Trinidad and Tobago, according to a new international travel report on the Caribbean.
T&T is listed as threat level three by the United States, and international “travellers are urged to reconsider visiting the area,” Travelling Lifestyle said in its report.
Port of Spain, Fort George Overlook, and all beaches are “extremely dangerous,” the report stressed, “and should be avoided at night time.”
Most crimes and terrorism are due to gang-related activity and narcotics trading, it was explained, “so it is best to be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution.”
The report stated that T&T is the third most dangerous Caribbean territory, behind first-placed Haiti, and Cuba.
Haiti is on the verge of anarchy with widespread violence, including murders and kidnappings.
The country is at level four security, according to the United States Department of State.
Jamaica, which has had more than 400 murders so far this year, is rated fourth by Travelling Lifestyle.
The Dominican Republic was listed as the fifth most dangerous Caribbean country, followed by St. Kitts-Nevis, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
The report noted that the eight listed countries rank low in the Global Peace Index, which examines safety, security, and political stability.
Various recent international reports have identified T&T as one of the most violent countries, per capita, in the world.
The 15-member Caricom held a two-day crime conference in April at a cost to T&T taxpayers of $3.4 million.
Following the meeting, no regional country reported any let-up in the crime rate.
At T&T’s current homicide rate, last year’s record of 605 could be shattered.
There are also high rates of other violent crimes.
