Canadian travellers warned of gang violence in popular Caribbean tourist destination

Flights are still running to Trinidad and Tobago from Pearson Airport in Mississauga amid a state of emergency and a travel advisory warning Canadians of gang violence in the Caribbean country.

Officials of the twin island country issued a nationwide state of emergency on Monday in response to ongoing gang violence including more than 250 gang-related homicides.

From armed robberies and carjackings to sexual assaults, kidnappings and murder, the Canadian government says weapons have been used on victims who refuse to cooperate with criminal’s demands.

“The criminal gangs via the use of the high-powered assault weapons and other illegal firearms in areas of Trinidad and possibly Tobago are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings on a scale so extensive that it threatens persons and will endanger public safety,” Acting Attorney General Stuart Young said.

Under the state of emergency, security forces have increased rights and can conduct searches of persons and property without warrants, and make arrests or detain persons of interest, Canada says.

Any Canadians currently in Trinidad and Tobago are being told to expect an increased police and military presence, carry their ID at all times, and “follow the instructions of local authorities.”

The Canadian government is recommending travellers avoid non-essential trips to Trinidad and Tobago, and specifically in the Beetham Estate Gardens, Cocorite (north of Western Main Road), Downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte Street, south and west of Picadilly Street, and north of Independence Square), Laventille, and Sea Lots.

Airlines fly from Pearson International Airport in Mississauga to Port of Spain in Trinidad, and online flight trackers showed many flights scheduled for departure.

Canadians travelling abroad who need assistance can request consular services through the Government of Canada website.

– With files from The Canadian Press