British warn against crime in Port-of-Spain

AFTER the warning late last year that Trinidad and Tobago was a haven for terrorists, the British Government has softened its position on this country in a new travel advisory issued on July 1. While the British are still concerned about terrorism, the latest advisory still talks about terrorism, but warns about crime and attacks especially in downtown Port-of-Spain at nights.

The advisory, issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office last week, said the vast majority of visits to Trinidad and Tobago are trouble-free, but visitors should not become complacent. “Crime exists on the islands. You should take sensible precautions. There is no recent history of terrorism but you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.” The advisory warns British nationals that they should take sensible precuations against theft, which can be a problem at nights in parts of downtown Port-of-Spain and in other urban areas. “You should stick to the main tourist areas. Do not resist robbers or muggers.” The advisory continued, “Particular care should be taken when travelling from Piarco Airport, as there have been incidents of violent theft by gangs who follow cars and attack their victims when they reach their destination.” The advisory pointed out that there has been a recent spate of kidnappings of wealthy local businessmen and women, but so far, no foreigners have been targetted. Two Venezuelans have already been kidnapped for 2003.

Late last year, the British warned their nationals about coming to Trinidad and Tobago because this country was suspected as a haven for terrorists. This caused the Patrick Manning Govern-ment to dispatch Foreign Affairs Minister Knowlson Gift to London to hold talks with the British Foreign Secretary in an attempt to put a different spin on the situation. The British issued an advisory on February 26 softening its position on terrorism, but the July 1 advisory deals specifically with attacks by criminals. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office added, “There has been no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, although an Islamic group, the Jamaat Al Muslimeen, attempted to overthrow the government by force in 1990. “We believe Trinidad and Tobago to be one of a number of countries where there may be an increased terrorist threat. “British nationals should exercise vigilance, particularly in public such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.”

The advisory warned Brits to be wary of the penalties for drug trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago. “Drug traffickers face severe penalties in Trinidad and Tobago. The authorities are very alert to the carriage of illicit drugs of any kind and checks are thorough. You should pack all luggage yourself and do not carry items which do not belong to you.” On the issue of health, the British were told of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in all the Caribbean islands, including Trinidad and Tobago. “Dengue fever has become a problem in recent years particularly in the wet season — May to December. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is on the increase. You can minimise exposure to mosquito bites by using repellents.”