A state of emergency has been imposed on this stunning island country that is one of the most popular in the entire Caribbean reigon.
Located in the southernmost part of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago’s, state of emergency was first issued towards the end of 2024 and has now been extended to the weekend before Easter.
It comes as gang-violence has been affecting the country. The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed the extension on their travel advice page.
The information states: “On January 13, 2025, the Trinidad and Tobago authorities extended the nationwide state of emergency for a further three months. No curfew has been imposed and there are no restrictions on public gatherings or marches.
“During the state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago, security forces can search persons and property without a warrant [and] arrest and detain without a warrant.
“Expect heightend police and military presences. Always carry your ID and comply with local authorities.”
Analysts claimed that there are more than 100 gangs, and in the nation of 1.5 million people, police officials said they recorded 623 murders in 2024. The highest homicide rate recorded since 2013, reports Aljazeera.
The FCDO also warned of the ongoing violent crime and assaults taking place in Trinidad and Tobago.
It added: “In Trinidad, there’s a high level of violent crime. Gang-related attacks and shooting are increasing around the city centre of Port of Spain, including Laventille, Morvant and Barataria. In Tobago, violent crime is rare. Instances of homicides and armed robberies are rising.
“You can reduce the risk of being targeted when on foot by avoiding unlit areas at night [and] using well-populated roads and paths.
“Stay aware of your surroundings and carry a mobile phone with roaming for use in emergency.”
The three-month extension means that the nation will still be in a state of emergency during the nation’s renowned carnival event that will be taking place between March 1 and 4, 2025. The foreign office alerted Brits that “robberies and opportunistic crime may occur” during the period.
According to Travel Weekly, Trindad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Keith Rowley said that the goverment was spending time “detaining the deadly” to reduce their ability to bring “death and destruction on the innocent and the law-abiding.”
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