Got this email from AMCHAMTT (American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad & Tobago)
Dear all,
Please be advised that the US Embassy has issued a Security Warning for Trinidad and Tobago relating to sexual crimes against women. This information is also relevant to local residents that frequent the below mention areas, so please feel free to forward to your colleagues, family and friends who might be impacted.
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Port of Spain
October 23, 2013
Sexual Assaults against Women on the Rise
The United States Embassy in Port of Spain informs U.S. citizens that a female individual was assaulted in the Chaguaramas area, near the Bamboo Cathedral. Local authorities confirm that sexual assaults and attempted sexual assaults against women are on the rise. These reports have been verified by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and they confirm an increase in such assaults in areas around the Savannah, Chancellor Hill, and Chaguaramas. Most of the incidents are taking place during daylight hours. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, these attacks appear to be random, indiscriminate, and opportunist in nature.
The attacks target women walking/jogging by themselves, regardless of dress, age, or other factors. All the women were wearing headphones and listening to iPods at the time, which may be a contributing factor to them being targeted. Please be reminded that there are a number of factors you can use to protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim of a sexual assault or crime.
While U.S. citizens are not being specifically targeted, we strongly urge that you employ intelligent security measures. Some practical measures to better prevent becoming a victim of such crimes include:
Avoid walking or running alone.
Refrain from wearing headphones when walking or jogging.
Be prepared by being aware of your surroundings at all times. Never be worried about being rude when you remove yourself from an uncomfortable situation. It is far better to appear to be rude than to become a victim of sexual assault. It is better to be distrustful and remove yourself from a situation than have to regret not doing so later.
Always tell someone where you are going, who you will be with, and when you will return. This is especially important for women who live alone.
Be extremely vigilant at all times. Most attacks occur when women are not paying careful attention to their surroundings and are distracted. When shopping, park in a well-lit area. Upon returning to your car, take a look to see if anyone is in the vehicle or nearby. When you get into the car, lock your doors immediately. This is a common time for an attacker to make their move.
If at a party or nightclub, never leave your drink unattended. Date rape drugs can easily be added to your drink without your knowledge, and by the time you realize that you have been drugged, you will be extremely vulnerable.
Carry a cell phone with you in case of emergency. Nearly everyone has a cell phone nowadays, and keeping it handy when walking alone means you can more readily call for emergency help without having to rummage through your purse or pockets. It is worth purchasing a “fete phone” (an inexpensive cell phone with a pre-paid card) simply for walks and for running; they are cheap to purchase and top up, and should the phone be stolen, you will not be bereft.
Never be afraid to ask someone you trust for a security escort to your car; people in Trinidad and Tobago are generally friendly and helpful.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Trinidad and Tobago enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at
http://www.travel.state.gov/ or trinidad.usembassy.gov . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have internet access, you can enroll in person at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department's Web site, where you will find the most current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Trinidad and Tobago. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s Web site.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1 888 407 4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1 202 501 4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain is located at 15 Queen’s Park West, Port of Spain. Routine services are by appointment only. To schedule your appointment, please visit trinidad.usembassy.gov , email
acspos@state.gov or call 868 622 6371. U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago who need emergency services should call the Embassy at 868 622 6371 for assistance.
Link to official site:
http://trinidad.usembassy.gov/oct242013security.html
