Trinidad and Tobago: Carnival festivities March 4-5

Event

Trinidad and Tobago will hold annual Carnival festivities throughout the country on Monday, March 4, through Tuesday, March 5. Heightened security measures, including road closures, and increased police presence, and other disruptions are expected in the days leading up to and after the events. Police Commissioner Gary Griffith announced on Wednesday, February 27, that police officers will deploy three or four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide greater security during the Carnival period. Officers will also be equipped with body cameras and non-lethal weapons. Griffith said that 85 emergency response patrols will also be available to respond to incidents from the morning (local time) of March 4 through the night of March 5.

In general, an influx of tourists is expected during the Carnival period. As such, increased congestion at travel hubs, increased demand for hotels, and increased car traffic in the capital is to be anticipated, along with business and government office closures. Furthermore, rates of petty and other crime tend to increase considerably during the Carnival period. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has also released a list of safety tips on their website.

Advice

Individuals in Trinidad and Tobago during the Carnival period are advised to remain vigilant at all times, report any suspicious behavior to relevant authorities, anticipate business and transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Conceal conspicuous signs of wealth to avoid attracting the attention of potential thieves. Note that criminals may be armed and never offer resistance in the event of a mugging.