00:00The United States has maintained its Level 3 Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago,
00:05continuing to urge its citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to security concerns.
00:10According to the latest update issued by the U.S. State Department on Monday,
00:14the advisory still highlights crime and the potential risk of terrorism.
00:19However, it notes some changes to its content.
00:22The kidnapping indicator has been removed, while a new increased risk designation has been added.
00:28The advisory comes against the backdrop of the nationwide state of emergency
00:32declared by the Trinidad and Tobago government on March 2.
00:36It acknowledges that violent crime has decreased significantly since 2024,
00:41following security initiatives introduced during previous states of emergencies.
00:45However, it stresses that crime remains a persistent challenge,
00:49with lower rates generally reported in Tobago when compared to Trinidad.
00:54U.S. government employees stationed in Trinidad and Tobago remain subject to strict travel restrictions,
01:01including a ban on visiting several high-risk areas in Port of Spain.
01:05These include Laventil, Piccadilly Street, Besson Street, parts of Charlotte Street,
01:11and communities such as Beetham, Sealots, and Cocorite.
01:14The advisory also restricts access to the Queen's Park Savannah's interior at all times,
01:20with additional nighttime restrictions in areas such as downtown Port of Spain,
01:24select beaches, Fort George, and surrounding zones.
01:28The advisory also highlights the potential risk of terrorist activity,
01:33including possible attacks,
01:35and urges travelers to remain alert and review official U.S. security guidance.
01:39It further warns of limited health care services in rural services across Trinidad and Tobago,
01:46advising travelers to exercise increased caution due to restricted access to emergency and routine care.
01:53U.S. authorities are also encouraging its citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
01:59to receive alerts and facilitate emergency contact.
02:03Additional guidance includes avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas,
02:08remaining vigilant in public spaces,
02:10and avoiding displays of wealth.
02:14Travelers are also cautioned about online scams,
02:17particularly those linked to dating platforms,
02:20and are advised to exercise caution when using ATMs and banking facilities.
02:26In the event of a robbery,
02:28individuals are advised not to resist unless their safety is further threatened.
02:32The advisory also reiterates that under the ongoing SOE,
02:36authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have expanded powers,
02:40including arrests based on suspicion,
02:43search and entry of properties,
02:45suspension of bail for certain offenses,
02:47and continued deployment of the Defense Force support alongside police operations.
02:53Trinidad and Tobago has remained at a Level 3 advisory since November 2022.
02:59Alexander Bruswell, TV6 News.
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