Security Overview for Trinidad and Tobago

Each of the islands - Trinidad and Tobago - have distinctly different ways of life. Trinidad is modern, with a population of approximately 1 million, while Tobago is less developed with a population of just over 50,000. The large population on Trinidad makes it more susceptible to crime and bouts of civil unrest that stem largely from unemployment and racial divides between the island's Afro-Caribbean and Asian Indian citizens. Most crimes affecting foreigners are petty crimes, such as theft, pickpocketing and armed robbery.

Much of the crime on Trinidad and Tobago is related to gang activity, drug abuse and drug trafficking. Crime between citizens is high on both islands; rates of domestic violence, assault, rape and robbery are high. Because many citizens own and carry weapons, surrender valuables without hesitation if confronted by an assailant. On Trinidad, avoid travel to eastern Port of Spain, which reports the highest crime rates, as well as Diego Martin, Laventille, Morvant and Petit Valley. On Tobago, use caution in the Wilson Street area and the market area of Scarborough. Do not leave any items unattended, particularly on the beach and when visiting crowded areas. Store valuable items in hotel safes.

For-ransom kidnappings of local businessmen and their families is a significant problem in Trinidad. The rate of kidnappings has risen in recent years despite police initiatives focused directly on the problem. Although most victims are released without physical harm after a ransom has been paid, several have been beaten or badly injured. In cases where negotiations have failed or money could not be raised, victims have also been brutally killed. Homicide rates have steadily increased since 1999; Trinidad and Tobago suffers one of the highest per capita homicide rates in the Caribbean.

The Trinidad and Tobago police department is short on funding and poorly equipped. The staff is spread thin. Such factors contribute to the slow response time of police in cases of emergency.

Due to safety and security concerns, avoid using the public bus and mini-bus services. Limit road travel, particularly in urban areas, to main roads and avoid driving at night. Hire taxis from your hotel rather than from the street. Pre-negotiate a price to avoid being overcharged and do not allow taxis to pick up additional passengers.

The threat of terrorist activity is moderate. The Jamaat-al-Muslimeen Islamic extremist group, which tried to overthrow the government in 1990, is still active in Trinidad and Tobago. There have been a few small bombings in Trinidad in recent years. Domestic civil unrest and political violence is also a concern. Large demonstrations, protests and strikes do occur and can interrupt daily life. Avoid demonstrations, protests and rallies. Tensions between the Afro-Caribbean and Indian ethnic groups can cause racial violence, particularly during election periods.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.