Is the island making efforts on security?

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Mon May 14, 2007 9:25 am

Hi Gary

The honest truth is we don't know, but are somewhat hopeful.

Tobago has a bit of a problem on policing. The police have no, or very little, forensic equipment or training. Even fingerprinting is rare. The local police simple interrogate suspects using ‘traditional methods’, as one Tobago contact described them to me last night whilst discussing these arrests. The problem is that the standards of the judiciary are high – particularly for a state where corruption is the norm not the exception. Some local magistrates take a very dim view of these traditional methods and are quite likely to free offenders if they feel they’ve been forced to a confession. Trouble is, the police have no other methods available to them. So, the morale of police officers is currently very low – they feel they have both hands tied behind their back.

So, whilst these arrests are clearly very good news, I remain to be convinced.

Katherine Armstrong · Mon May 14, 2007 10:01 am

Steve,

Have been on the accomodation forum - my husband and I are going to Tobago for 1st time in June. We are interested in staying in Castara - had looked into Castara cottages/sandcastles/naturalist . Had a reply from Castara cottages but a little concerned about safelty/security issues mentioned in this forum - would we be better to stay at one of the others where the owners are 'on site' or has Castara remained fairly quiet?

I know anywhere in the world can be potentially dangerous (we live in Northern Ireland!) and we have travelled widely, but always a bit cautious when the target seems to be tourists.

Thanks for your help - always good to hear from someone with 'on the ground' knowledge!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Mon May 14, 2007 10:06 am

Hello Katherine

I suppose one could argue that the owner being "on site" is safer - but I can't say I'm totally convinced. Castara village has tended to remain very quiet and calm with nothing more than a few relatively minor petty pilfering/burgarly attempts. To be honest, its a difficult one for me to answer - its almost tempting providence if I say its OK (not to mention my legal position).

Katherine Armstrong · Mon May 14, 2007 10:12 am

Appreciate that

Certainly wouldn't put us off going to tobago - looks beautiful and we can't wait!

Katherine

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Mon May 14, 2007 1:46 pm

Katherine,if you are fortunate to take short break in Castara.....go for it!!!!
I have been to Castara a number of times and the only real danger is overindulgence in the hospitality,the lax life,and of course limin.Oh and don't forget the people,wonderful,
Enjoy,
David

Carol Townsend · Post by **Carol Townsend** » Tue May 15, 2007 7:59 pm

Having read about the attack in the villa I must admit to being a little anxious as we will be renting a private property, owned by someone living in the UK, so we will be very much on our own. However we are going ahead with our holiday ( in Castara) as we don't want to be put off.
I thought I would mention a snatch of conversation I heard today, when someone said they had just returned from Johannesburg. They said they had wanted to visit a nightclub two minutes walk away from their hotel, and were told they could have a security guard to escort them to the club, and were recommended to get a taxi when returning to the hotel. That would put me off leaving the hotel all together!
From what I've read, Tobago has got to be safer than that!
Best wishes,
Carol

Jo B · Post by **Jo B** » Wed May 16, 2007 8:47 am

<Having read about the attack in the villa I must admit to being a little anxious as we will be renting a private property, owned by someone living in the UK, so we will be very much on our own. However we are going ahead with our holiday ( in Castara) as we don't want to be put off. >

Carol, where are you staying in Castara? We have spent two holidays in Youngs House in Castara, a property owned by an English couple, but looked after by the wonderful Iris (of Yes Tourism) and her husband Chester.

The first time we were there was when there was a spate of petty thefts. Everybody we met in the village warned us to be careful, and we just took normal precautions like locking the door if we took a siesta, and not leaving valuables out on display. By staying in Castara, you are within the local community. It is a friendly place to be, and we felt people were genuinely looking out for visitors to the village.

I'm sure you will have a great time and as long as you take the normal precautions, you'll have no problems at all!

Jo x

Carol Townsend · Post by **Carol Townsend** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:08 pm

Thanks for your reply, Jo, it was reassuring!
W'ere not staying at the house you mentioned, but I prefer not to give details of where we are staying to protect the owner's privacy. He is a work colleague of my husband's who I've never met! I keep nagging my husband for details such as " who looks after the house?" so we'll get it all sorted eventually.We're not going till August, so there's plenty of time.
I do enjoy browsing this site, especially the discussion forum.
Carol.