NOW CANADA WARNS OF TERRORISM THREAT IN T&T

CANADA has joined the United States and Britain in warning about the threat of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Canadian advisory was issued two days after the US gave a dire caution to its nationals about the risk of terrorism in T&T.

The US statement prompted sharp rebukes from several T&T commentators.

The official advisory, issued last week, stated that “US citizens should reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime.

“Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping.”

The Express newspaper accused the US State Department of “trying to terrorise its own citizens” in T&T, one commentator said the advisory was “blasphemous,” and others were equally critical.

The latest travel advice to Canadians travelling to T&T stressed: “There is a threat of terrorism.

“Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.”

Canadians were warned of several areas where attacks could occur, and were urged to be “particularly vigilant during religious holidays and if attending public events.”

Travellers were urged to “exercise a high degree of caution.”

Like the US and Britain, Canada offered extensive advice to its nationals on avoiding violent crime in both islands.

The British authorities told that country’s nationals: “Terrorist attacks in Trinidad and Tobago cannot be ruled out.”

Travellers were cautioned to “stay aware of your surroundings, keep up-to-date with local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.”

British nationals were advised that “attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.”

The Canadian authorities stressed that there is a high incidence of violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults and sexual assault, and home invasions. 

Meanwhile, US diplomatic sources have rebuffed the criticisms about the severe American advisory.

A source said that in compiling the report, the State Department relied on several factors, some of which are unknown to the public.

A source noted that no one has challenged T&T being placed at Tier 3 – “Reconsider Travel” – which is second only to “Do Not Travel” at Tier 4.

Sources pointed to the return of ISIS mercenaries from Syria and Iraq.

One source stated that the US warned over recent years that ISIS fighters were a “primary” source of terrorism concern.

He also referenced the US State Department’s advice to Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley in February about international criminal entities with interest in T&T.

Rowley was informed during a top-level meeting in Washington with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The Prime Minister confirmed the discussions at a press conference on his return from the US.

“We are now attracting elements of international organised crime,” Rowley told the media.

Sources also spoke of underworld ties to drug and gun transhipment, the porous borders, and links to the Venezuelan criminal world.

Human trafficking and smuggling were also identified as sources of concern.

But the T&T Government got credit for strengthening relevant laws and membership in CFATF and other counter-terrorism organisations.

The local authorities had previously frozen the assets of certain terrorist suspects.