BRITAIN, CANADA WARN NATIONALS ABOUT TERRORISM IN T&T

THE American authorities are not the only ones warning their citizens about the risk of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago. 

The British and Canadian administrations have issued similar but separate caution to their nationals. 

The strongly-worded British and Canadian advisories to their respective citizens on the subject are as stern and dire as that of the United States. 

The Rowley Government has reacted with outrage to the revelation of the American advisory and received support in an Express newspaper editorial. 

The British authorities told citizens: “Terrorist attacks in Trinidad and Tobago cannot be ruled out. 

“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded spaces and places visited by foreigners.” 

The British noted that “there have been no recent attacks,” but pointed to Trinidadians and Tobagonians travelling to Syria to join the terrorist group ISIS, and a threat from Al Qaeda and Daesh to carry out “lone actor” strikes. 

The advisory also recalled that the T&T Government had announced a counter-terrorism strategy in 2017. 

The Canadian Government told its citizens: “There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.” 

Canadians were also provided with safety guidelines. 

For its part, the US Embassy in Port of Spain urged citizens to exercise “increase caution” due to “crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.” 

Several crime hotspots were identified. 

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” the embassy stated. 

The terrorists could target “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 places.” 

The Canadian Government issued similar severe warnings to its citizens. 

“Exercise a high degree of caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to violent crime,” the latest Canadian advisory stated. 

“Violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults and sexual assault, occurs frequently on the island of Trinidad,” the statement went on, “especially in the capital city, Port of Spain. 

“Tourists have been targeted.” 

Incidents of kidnapping for ransom have gone up, Canadian citizens were told. 

“Cruise ship passengers should be very careful when walking around the docks in Port of Spain. 

“Shootings, kidnappings, and other gang- and drug-related violence also occur. 

“There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” 

Further, “petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing, bag snatching and thefts from cars, occur,” the advisory stated. 

Canadians were told that crime of opportunity usually takes place during Carnival, Christmas, and the Tobago Jazz Festival. 

Citizens were alerted to avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas after dark, not to walk at night, or to carry large sums of cash “or show signs of affluence.” 

Canadians were informed that “home invasions are common and may turn violent.” 

There was a listing of communities and public places to be avoided, according to the public statement. 

“Criminals target foreigners,” the advisory added. 

There was also detailed advice on crime for those visiting Tobago. 

“Incidents against foreigners, including Canadians, have occurred,” the statement said. 

The European community has issued similar travel advisories. 

Crime statistics in T&T are heading to record levels this year.