Bombings not affecting TT Int’l security ratings
RECENT bombings in Port-of-Spain have failed to damage Trinidad and Tobago’s international security rating or this country’s attractiveness to international investors. These were the findings of the latest security intelligence report issued by the American, British and Canadian governments along with the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). In its report, the British and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) takes note of the explosions on July 11 and August 11 and states that police investigations into both matters are continuing. However, the British government is still not issuing any advisory for its citizens not to come to TT. However it reiterates its longstanding advice for British nationals to exercise sensible precautions where crime is concerned and be aware "of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners." The US State Department also took note of the July 11 explosion but like the British FCO, has not issued any advisory for US nationals not to come to TT. "While there is no evidence that Americans or other foreigners have been specifically targetted as victims of the explosion or other violent crimes, travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks that could target civilians, including places frequented by foreigners," the state department said. The Canadian foreign affairs ministry has no record of either explosion but advises Canadian nationals to exercise sensible precaution where crime is concerned. There is no travel advisory from the Canadian government against TT which notes ongoing efforts by local law enforcement agencies "to address the high level and the seriousness of crime" in the country and that "State initiatives in the social sector have supplemented these efforts." The Canadian foreign affairs ministry goes further to note the continued buoyancy of the TT economy and that "there are business opportunities in many sectors" with increasing Canadian involvement in the energy and financial sectors within recent months. The ministry also notes there are "broad opportunities" for Canadian involvement in several new national infrastructural projects now being undertaken by the government. The CIA backs up all of these findings by reiterating its longstanding assessment that TT remains "an excellent investment site for international businesses" in the Caribbean, economic growth prospects remain very healthy, there is no evidence of terrorism in TT and Government is dealing with the nation’s crime problems.
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"Bombings not affecting TT Int’l security ratings"