For those among us who are traveling to Guyana for upcoming Mashramani celebrations, or who are heading to Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival festivities, or to the rest of the Caribbean region in the coming weeks for rest and respite away from what so far has been a challenging winter, we recommend a refamiliarisation visit to the government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website for a sobering refresher on how to remain safe during our trips to the homelands.
Note the updates to the advisory on Trinidad and Tobago which were done last week. This recent update now includes a separation of the travel advisory on crime for Tobago from Trinidad, with a warning on terrorism. It also includes a warning to travellers using the ferry to Tobago from Port-of-Spain, saying the service could be cancelled at any time with little or no notice.
The advisory also notes the danger on the highway leading into and out of the city of Port-of-Spain from east and south Trinidad. According to the advisory, “If possible, avoid travel outside Port-of-Spain after dark, especially along the Beetham Highway. Criminals have targeted cars stopped on this road and victims have been carjacked, assaulted and robbed. Drive with windows closed and doors locked, since thefts can occur at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic.” Increased security presence along this route is noted, with the following advice to visitors: “If you encounter difficulties along this route, do not stop until you see a patrol car or reach the nearest police station. Report traffic accidents to the nearest police station.”
In the separate section for Tobago, the update notes: “Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, and tourists have been targeted. Ensure that your personal belongings, passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas, especially after dark.”
Regarding its new section on terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, the advisory notes that while rare, sporadic protests can become violent. It adds attacks could occur at any time, with possible targets being government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports, and other transportation hubs and networks, diplomatic missions, public areas as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. It warns: “Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.”
For nationals visiting Guyana, the Canadian website warns that crime is prevalent across this nation: “Assaults, break-ins, armed robberies, pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft from cars and carjacking are common. Be particularly cautious in Georgetown: in Stabroek Market, Tiger Bay and south of Brickdam Street. Canadians have been assaulted and robbed in daylight in other parts of Georgetown, including the city centre. Many crimes are committed along and around the sea wall, from east of the Pegasus Hotel Guyana to Sheriff Street, including the wharf.” It also notes violent crime occurs in the East Coast Demerara region (especially near the villages of Buxton and Friendship, the East Bank Demerara region, and the New Amsterdam area), with criminals targeting foreigners and returning Guyanese citizens.
It also advised that visitors not reveal signs of affluence; at the same time, it is advised to “not walk alone after dark, and avoid deserted or under-populated areas”. The website cautions: “Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when entering or leaving vehicles, residences and public places... Foreigners have been injured while being robbed at gunpoint, and some have been attacked after withdrawing money at financial institutions, in shopping districts and in hotels. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not change money in the street with street changers; do so at banks, exchange offices and hotels. Robberies and assaults also occur in taxis. Do not offer resistance.”
As we continue to reiterate, vigilance and sober conduct are requisites for personal safety while visiting our homelands; be safe while enjoying the warmth.