British warns travellers of bombings in TT

"You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners," the advisory, dated September 13, 2005, stated.

The three-page warning posted on the FCO’s web site also emphasised the July bombing in downtown Port-of-Spain where 14 persons were injured and the most recent "terrorist attacks" on September 10.

"While most visits to TT are trouble-free, you should be aware that there are increasing levels of violent crime, especially shootings and kidnappings," the statement said.

The FCO even stated that British citizens have been victims of recent violent attacks in both Trinidad and Tobago and highlighted the attempted coup in 1990 by the Jamaat Al Muslimeen.

They also stressed on the issue of theft, cautioned tourists that "theft can be a problem at night in parts of downtown POS and in other urban areas". They spotlighted the increase in robberies, break-in and attacks, some involving the use of firearms, at tourist sites, including Fort George and at car parks of supermarkets and shopping malls around POS and at business places.Additionally, the FCO referred to the shooting death of a German national at his home in January this year and the shooting of a British national at his home in April.

"Do not resist robbers and muggers," the advisory firmly warned.

It also urged tourists travelling from Piarco Airport to be careful as "there have been incidents of violent theft by gangs who follow cars and attack their victims when they reach their destination". They advised travellers not to carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellry and to use hotel sefety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports.

Emphasis was also placed on kidnapping.

"Kidnappings have been a problem in Trinidad since mid-2002. These do not appear in general to be targetted at non-residents but the situation is deteriorating and you should be aware of the problem," the FCO said.

Crime in Tobago was also pin-pointed in the FCO’s advisory. They stated that there have been a number of serious robberies against tourists in Tobago in 2004 and 2005 and added that some of these incidents have been accompanied by violence, including rape, against foreign nationals. "A number of these attacks have been targetted against privately rented villas in the south west of the islands. You should ensure that security officers are present at such villas, to provide protection by day and night," the statement said. Reference was drawn to the May 18 shooting of an Italian national and the sexual assault of a British national at Englishman’s Bay. The advisory admonished tourists to excercise extreme caution when visiting remote beaches without organised tour groups and appropriate security.

"Country areas are best visited in groups. At tourist attractions, use official guides and agree on a price before you set off. On your day of departure, ask your hotel to store your belongings until airport check-in time."

The FCO also described as poor the standard of driving in TT. They said that road fatalities are a regular occurrence and labelled the roads as narrow and winding and of a low standard surface. They advised foreigners to drive with care when hiring a car and strongly recommended that taxis be used after dark.