The two-island is clamping down amid a spike in gang-related violence. (Image: Getty)
A Caribbean country popular with tourists has issued a state of emergency amid a spike in deadly gang violence, prompting warnings for travellers.
Trinidad and Tobago .
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said: “There is no doubt in my mind that we are dealing with an epidemic.”
While the state of emergency will not see a curfew being implemented, residents were told to expect an increased police and military presence.
The islands are a popular destination for liners, with three ports across the islands in the capital Port of Spain on the island of Trinidad, as well as Scarborough and Charlotteville on Tobago.
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The islands have ports including one in the capital Port of Spain on the island of Trinidad. (Image: Getty)
Jason, a content creator and host of holidays vlog , said in an update on the YouTube channel that “it does seem to be a serious situation and one that passengers need to be aware of”.
As part of the measures, law enforcement will also be able to conduct searches, detain suspects for 48 hours, and make arrests without a warrant.
Meanwhile, schools, businesses, and other activities are expected to proceed as scheduled, as reported earlier this week.
Britain’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned anyone travelling to Trinidad and Tobago to expect heightened police and military presence. Officials urged visitors to always carry their ID and comply with the local authorities.
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You can find the latest FCDO advice on travel to the country .
Trinidad and Tobago’s acting Attorney General Stuart Young, stressed while there was general concern about the increased violence, there was particular unease about “increased and heightened brazen acts of criminal activity” by gangs carrying illegal weapons.
“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,” said.
The two island republic has recorded a record 623 murders for the year to date, and gang-related violence has accounted for 263 of them, according to Mr Hinds.