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WHILE the US State Department has classified this country as Tier II (exercise extra caution), the nation’s capital has been placed at Tier IV, with the strict warning to Americans not to travel to Port of Spain.

The notice was posted Oct. 5 on the US State Department’s website.

The increase in travel warnings on TT, the State Department said, is due to crime, terrorism and kidnappings.

He warned Americans not to travel to: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and inside Queen’s Park Savannah because of the crime.

The website said the country’s summary of TT is that violent crimes, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasions and kidnapping are common.

Gang activity, such as drug trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.

The State Department has warned: terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets/malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational establishments. , airports and other public places.

Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Port of Spain, the State Department said.

He added that all US government personnel (working at the Embassy and related field offices) were prohibited from traveling to Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and inside Queen’s Park Savannah.

“After dark, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to downtown Port of Spain, Fort George Overlook, and all beaches.”

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, speaking on TV6 newscast on Friday night, said he did not understand the reason or justification for the US travel advisory.

Hinds said that as far as terrorism is concerned, he could not recall, in recent times, such acts having taken place in this country.
“When it comes to kidnappings, some people mix up kidnapping for ransom with kidnapping more simple (abductions).”

On the warning to stay away from inside Queen’s Park Savannah, Hinds said that only on Friday he was in contact with Acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob, who said, based on statistics, that there had been no major criminal acts in the savannah.

He said he would discuss with his Cabinet colleagues whether or not an explanation should be sought from the US government over the advice, which could affect TT’s tourism potential, trade and other activities.

He also denounced citizens – including members of the media – for speaking ill of TT, especially in conversations with strangers.