US Warns About Travel To This Caribbean Island

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 11, 2024: The United States has issued a Level Three travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, urging nationals to reconsider travel to the twin-island nation due to escalating crime rates.

The US is warning nationals to reconsider travel to T&T.

The advisory, released by the U.S. Department of State, highlights the need for increased caution due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Specific areas identified as high-risk include Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah in Port of Spain. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to these areas. Additionally, travel to downtown Port of Spain, Fort George overlook, and all beaches is restricted for U.S. personnel after dark.

The advisory warns of frequent violence and shootings in certain parts of Port of Spain, describing violent crimes such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping as common occurrences. It also notes significant gang-related activity, particularly narcotics trafficking, contributing to the high levels of violence.

“A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related,” states the advisory. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”

For those who choose to travel to Trinidad and Tobago despite the advisory, the U.S. Department of State provides several recommendations:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Review the Country Security Report for Trinidad and Tobago.

Use caution when walking or driving at night.

Be wary of meeting individuals met through social media or dating apps.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Do not display overt signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.

Be extra vigilant when visiting ATMs.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Follow the instructions of local authorities.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of being cautious and aware of one’s surroundings, especially in high-risk areas. Travelers are advised to avoid displaying wealth and to take extra precautions when using ATMs or meeting new acquaintances through social media or dating apps.

This heightened alert comes in response to a notable increase in violent crimes and potential terrorist activities in Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. Department of State aims to ensure the safety of its nationals by providing these guidelines and urging them to reconsider non-essential travel to the region.

Former Slave Honored Posthumously as National Hero

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 11, 2024: A former slave in The Bahamas has been honored posthumously with the nation’s highest award as the country celebrated its 51st anniversary of independence from Britain.

On July 10th, The Bahamas conferred the Order of National Hero on Kate Moss, a former slave recognized for her courage in the fight against racism and slavery. The Office of the Governor General announced that the National Honours Committee acknowledged Moss for her “timely and determined courage demonstrated against racism and slavery.”

Slave ruins in Eleuthera, Bahamas. (Islands of the Bahamas image)

In the 1820s, Kate Moss was a young house slave on a plantation in Crooked Island owned by Henry and Helen Moss. Accused of theft, insubordination, and insolence, Kate consistently refused to follow the orders of her owners, particularly those she found demeaning. Her defiance led to severe punishment, ultimately resulting in her death.

Statue of Christopher Columbus still stands in New Providence Island, Nassau infront of Government House.

The Governor General’s statement detailed how Kate’s plight caught the attention of abolitionists in England, who referred to her as “Poor Black Kate.” When authorities in Nassau learned of her death, Henry and Helen Moss were charged with murder, found guilty, and fined £300 or sentenced to five months in jail. Kate’s resistance and subsequent death became significant news, bolstering the abolitionist movement in England, led by William Wilberforce.

“Kate’s actions to stand up for herself became an act of defiance that significantly impacted the abolition of slavery worldwide and must never be forgotten,” the statement emphasized.

In related celebrations, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett praised The Bahamas for its socio-economic progress since independence and its leadership in addressing regional issues such as climate change and human rights. She highlighted The Bahamas’ role as the host of the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and its historic position as the first CARICOM member to serve on the UN Human Rights Council.

Dr. Barnett extended her congratulations to Prime Minister Phillip Davis and the Bahamian people, expressing appreciation for The Bahamas’ contributions to regional development and its indomitable spirit.

Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated The Bahamas on its anniversary, recognizing the strong partnership between the two nations. Blinken noted the shared efforts to address urgent concerns, including irregular migration, transnational crime, and climate change. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening its partnership with The Bahamas, ensuring long-term prosperity and security for both countries.

“As you mark your 51st year of independence, the United States and the American people extend their best wishes to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people in the year ahead,” Blinken said.