No recent history of terrorism in TT

THE British Government has toned down its terrorist warning on Trinidad and Tobago.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in a travel advisory dated December 6, 2002, stated “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.” As a result, two cruise lines from England cancelled cruises to Trinidad. The Government reacted angrily to that advisory and decided to send representatives to England, the United States, and the United Nations to say otherwise. In an updated advisory dated February 26, the British stated “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.”

The updated advisory followed a trip to England in January by Minister of Foreign Affairs Knowlson Gift who met with senior Government officials, including the British Foreign Secretary and the media, to allay fears that Trinidad and Tobago posed a threat to non-nationals. While Government moved to counteract the advisory, cruise ships pulled into Port-of-Spain where visitors said they felt safe in this country. On the issue of crime, the British advised that “sensible” precautions should be taken against theft, which can be a problem at night in parts of downtown Port-of-Spain and in other urban areas. The F&CO also advised that particular care should be taken when travelling from Piarco International Airport as there have been incidents of violent theft by gangs who follow cars and attack their victims when they reach their destination.

“You should not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewelry. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports,” the advisory warned. The British also reported the recent spate of kidnappings of wealthy local businessmen and women. So far, no foreigners have been targeted although the British advised that their nationals should be aware of this problem. In Tobago, the British said crime against tourists remains a problem. They warned against visiting isolated beaches. One positive thing for TT was the warning that drug traffickers face severe penalties in this country. “The authorities are very alert to the carriage of illicit drugs of any kind and checks are thorough.” There are several British nationals serving time in prison for attempting to leave Trinidad with cocaine. According to the British, there is a very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, including TT, while Dengue continues to pose a problem during the rainy season.