any unsafe areas or places to avoid?

[Kathy]

Hello. Someone told me there is a book called the Rough Guide to T & T.
It has areas to avoid...
They didn't tell me where.

Does anyone have any advice on this?
Thanks,
Kathy

[Steve Wooler]

Kathy

I don't know what the Rough Guide is specifically warning against, but are you sure the warnings were for Tobago? I've had a quick look through my copy, but the only warnings I can see are for parts of Port of Spain in Trinidad.

Having said that, you should take obvious care and attention on all remote beaches. Please see our main site and check out the appropriate sections. You might also want to study the Health & Security sub-forum.

[EricJRW]

Hello Steve,

I'm enjoying reading through the forums as I prepare for our first trip to Trinidad and Tobago (to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary).

Although not the forum, could you please comment on the "danger areas" in Port of Spain ? On our return we will spend 2 days in that city and would like a heads up.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Eric

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Eric

Sorry, but Trinidad is outside the scope of myTobago. When Trinidad starts to give Tobago the resources it deserves (and has been promised), maybe I'll be a little more interested. In the meantime, they can promote themselves.

I always remember a saying I was told a few years ago:

"Trinis think of Tobago as a nice place to go for a holiday. Tobagonians think of Trinidad as a nice place to go and get mugged".

I haven't visited Trinidad since around 1988, so can't comment on the safe areas I'm afraid.

[Glyn Kirpalani]

Hi Eric

If you can handle yourself in the Stockyards of Fort Worth (fond memories) after 2 am then POS will be no problem.

All the usual precautions do apply though (no obvious valuables, expensive jewels/watches on you etc) and carry some "muggers money" for emergencies. Downtown POS is the area to avoid at night, although the main Independence Square is more heavily policed and fine. Venture much east of In Square - towards Laventille - at your peril at night.

All decent hotels and restaurants have security guards now so make sure your taxi (or rental car) pulls up outside in view and you should have no problems.

Daytime is perfectly safe if you stick to busy areas, and still avoid the eastern part of POS.

All the usual beach precautions apply. Contact Sensational Tours at the Cascadia Hotel if you want safe and organised tours of the city, beaches, swamps etc, or just an affordable private driver for the day. Ask for Gerald Nicholas and use my name to ask for the special daily driver rate. 6877832

Regards

[EricJRW]

Thank you, Steve.

I only asked because you had written in your earlier post, "I don't know what the Rough Guide is specifically warning against, but are you sure the warnings were for Tobago? I've had a quick look through my copy, but the only warnings I can see are for parts of Port of Spain in Trinidad. "

It was to that information I was referring.

I'm still having fun combing through all the information here. It’s now less than 2 weeks until our departure.

Regards,

Eric

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Eric

Sorry if my reply gave the impression that I was “having a go” at you – that was certainly not my intention. I was just taking the opportunity to have a political dig at Trinidad and to reassert to everyone that I would prefer the limited resources of myTobago.info to be limited to Tobago.

The current issue of The Rough Guide to Trinidad & Tobago has a section entitled “Trouble, harassment and drugs”. It says

“Visiting Trinidad and Tobago poses few security risks. Most islanders are generally more interested in going about their business than in harassing you or one another, and though downtown Port of Spain can feel a bit hairy at night, it’s hardly a den of iniquity with a criminal on every corner”.

Later, in the same chapter, it goes on to state

“In rural areas of both islands, you have little to fear – many Tobagonian doors are still sometimes left unlocked”.

I can find no other mention of security issues in either island.

As far as Trinidad is concerned, I get the impression that the Rough Guide is rather understating the case. However, I should go by what Glyn says – it’s his home backyard. Incidentally, for current news about Trinidad in particular, visit the online version of the Trinidad Guardian which always seems to focus heavily on crime and drugs.

Have fun with your research in the forum, but keep an open mind – then share it with us when you get back.

Glyn, please enlighten us. What were doing in the Stockyards of Fort Worth at 2am? Is this a bit of your past catching up with you?

[Glyn Kirpalani]

Hi Steve

Happy days - back in '92 when I was moonlighting from the Immigration service I spent two memorable weeks in the American Airlines residential stewardess (with the odd steward too but I barely noticed them) training college in Dallas Fort Worth, studying aviation security. Had a ball and still passed the course. I will always remember a lovely Texan girl teaching me how to do the texan two step, when I was rather worse for wear - the Stockyards is the bar/club area near, unsurprisingly, the cattle stockyards. Texas was by far my favourite US state and I highly recommend Fort Worth as a laid back part of the states, with a warm welcome - like Tobago with cowboy hats, guns and wider roads/cars, plus more americans!

Sigh...
Glyn

[EricJRW]

Thanks Steve & Glyn,

My wife and I have traveled a bit and I feel we both have a pretty travel sense. Also, I have some experience in the Caribbean, so know what typical “dangers” might be, but when I saw dangers specifically mentioned I decided to inquire further.

Steve, thank you for the clarification and, with Glyn’s additional information, I can see how these two seemingly unrelated comparisons are actually quite relevant.

Just learning to read into the posts is helping to get my mind ready for the trip. We are so ready.

I’m looking forward to sharing our experience.

Sincerely,

Eric

Ps. While I live in Fort Worth, I consider the place of my birth, Chicago, home.

[Steve Pitts]

Having just returned from my fifth (and I'm sure not last) visit to the Island, I would like to offer some advice on security, based on my experiences.
Two years ago (2nd visit) my friend had his video camera snatched whilst we were at Canoe bay resort. A teenage guy just ran past our group, who were chatting by one of the cabannas on the beach, and grabbed the camera bag from the table. There were four of us, not two metres from the bag. I gave chase, but had seconds thoughts as I was being seriously outpaced by a much fitter, much younger robber who had three mates waiting in the bushes. This was an opportunist theft although some planning must have gone into its execution as Canoe bay is off the beaten track.
In April of this year we returned for a fortnights holiday. Mid-way through the visit we came into contact with a young man who was a friend of our host, who owns a property on Tobago. Our teenage daughter befriended the lad and they listened to some of her CDs for about an hour. When this guy left us, my daughter realised that four of her CDs were missing.
Despite our feelings of disbelief, our host later visited the guy and recovered the CDs from his parents house.

My latest visit (18th -25th Sept) was planned as a fishing rtip with a couple of very good friends.
We visited BUCCOO one morning to fish the beach for Bonefish and snook. the beach was deserted. We were the only people on it in either direction. We walked about half way around the beach (approx 500 meters from the village pier) and dumped our rucksacs down on the sand in a pile. My two mates wandered off along the beach to fish and I began to cast out to sea, in front of the pile of bags, one of which contained my video camera and digital stills camera. At no time was I more than 3 or 4 meters from the bags, although I must admit, I did have my back to them for around five minutes.
I turned to notice that my red bag (the other two were bright yellow) had dissapeared. The feeling of horror that came over me was one which I hope never to experience again. As I ran over to the bags, I noticed that there were marks in the sand consistant with something being dragged and these lead into the mangrove and sea grape bushes at the back of the beach.
I cautiously followed the tracks and discovered my bag, which had been up-ended, with the contents strewn upon the sand. Both cameras were there along with some items of fishing tackle. Total value would have been around £1,500. Nothing was missing. I guess that whoever had rifled the bag was looking for cash. One thing is for certain; we were followed along the beach by someone making their way through the almost inpenitrable undergrowth, in a concerted effort to rob us.

Now I know that you will say 'how stupid to leave a camera on a beach' and I have come to that conclusion myself.

But what saddens me the most is that out of five trips to Tobago, I have been witness to three separate thefts or attempted thefts, all conducted when I or my friends have been near to our own property.

In future, I will not take a video camera or any other valuables to Tobago with me. I will lock all the doors to our accomodation and our car whilst out and about and I will treat ALL young local men with extreme suspicion. I am sure that most are law abiding and friendly, but my experiences have lead me to believe that there is a high proportion who do not respect other people's property or are out to rip-off or steal from tourists.
A few years ago, Tobago was thought to be the last unspoilt Island in the Caribbean and it saddens me deeply to observe that it appears to be heading the same way as many of the others.
Please, please, if you are visiting Tobago, don't leave yourself open to becoming a victim of petty crime. It will ruin your holiday. Please keep all your valuables (minimum amount possible) on your person and don't leave any bags or items unattended, especially on the beaches where you never know who is waiting to prey on you as you go off for a swim or a walk.

Be safe, not sorry.

Steve Pitts

[Steve Wooler]

Steve - what a bummer! You really seem to have had some bad luck over your many trips.

Did you mean to cross-post the same message in two different forums? It is obviously more appropriate in this one. I agree with Anthony - they do neet to face this problem, but I'm really not sure how. I think I will send a copy of your post to our contact at the THA.

Hope it hasn't put you off Tobago.

[Glyn Kirpalani]

Hi Steve and Steve

Very saddened to hear of your brushes with crime, particularly as you appeared to have followed most of the rules re avoiding problems.

Many visitors do not follow the "rules" or for that matter exhibit any common sense - visitors must appreciate that although Tobago is comparatively crime fee (particulalry violent crime), a high proportion of inhabitants live in poverty. It makes sense to avoid tempting those for whom there is no welfare state, jobs are low paid etc.

In spite of all the warnings/common sense, visitors continue to do things which they would never dream of doing at home, eg on a UK beach/park: just the other week my (frail) mother was sitting at the cafe at the Mount Irvine public beach facilities. She saw a UK couple arrive, plonk their bags down at a table (not even near her or a group sitting), strip down to swimsuits then head for a swim. A young lad wandered up, took the bags and ran off. Mum told the staff, who were largely disinterested/amazed at the stupidity. The couple returned and were obviously devastated (clother were left fortunately), starting to rant and rave at the cafe staff - one girl behind a counter. The group dining (also british) leapt to the defence of the girl, quite rightly pointing out the stupidity of the victims.

I do not mean to defend thieves - such behaviour is reprehensible and should be punished severely - but often the victims of crime make it too easy for the criminals and actually foster crime by doing so.

I also agree that the authorities - who are aware of the problem judging by the tourism minister's appearance on local TV this morning discussing crime - clamped down to prevent Tobago's reputation slipping further. Steve W - perhaps it is time to start a Tobago Visitor's association (just as in UK there are football fan associations, commuter groups etc), in order to assist victim of crime and to apply pressure/make follow up checks etc on the police and THA when dealing with individual crimes and trends?

One thing that does seem to work extremely well is the magistrate's court here - when caught, criminals who have interfered against tourists often receive sentences so harsh that they would shock UK convicted criminals if handed down to them. Some clients of mine once suffered a villa break in on a saturday night while out dining. The thief was apprehended on the sunday morning (all goods retrieved) and on the monday morning was sentenced to 5 years with hard labour. He won't be causing any problems for a while.

[Steve Wooler]

Well said, Glyn.

I can confirm what Glyn says regarding punishment. Magistrates in Tobago are not like our British politically-correct liberals who send young offenders on safari holidays to teach them a lesson, they really throw the book at them. Offenders of petty crime generally receive sentences equivalent or worse than real heavyweight criminals over here. Five years inside for stealing a bag/camera/wallet is quite normal.

I like your idea about a Visitor's Association, Glyn. Needs somebody local. How about it?

[Glyn Kirpalani]

Hi Steve

I hope you never come before a UK magistrate who happened to have read this forum, as your parking ticket may get you the maximum sentence a UK magistrate can pass down - 6 months! No safaris for you from now on!

I would be happy to start up a visitors association, and having been a civil servant for many years am used to dealing with them, media etc. I can foresee two problems though which you, or others, could advise on - first of all, would I be exposing myself to allegations of conflict of interest? Eg, favouring my clients when they suffered problems etc, or more obviously using the charity work to get publicity for more bookings?

Secondly, there would be fund-raising/accounting issues of which I have little experience - although I would be happy to donate my time for free in setting this up etc, in the long term if it took off there would be expenses incurred in and out of my little office. I wonder if this could be set up as a UK registered charity (red-tape here is appalling, but I guess not insurmountable). This is not an immediate problem though, but there should be a plan if any meaningful help for distressed visitors were to be given, not to mention campaiging/education issues.

Any thoughts?

Glyn

[Steve Pitts]

I hope that my last posting wasn't taken as a slating for the whole of the polulation of Tobago. I have always found the majority to be friendly and honest. I will certainly be returning to the Island in the future and I hope to do so for many years to come.

My post was to alert myTobago readers to the apparently increasing incidence of petty theft and to advise on the areas most likely to pose a risk. As Glyn's post has confirmed, unattended belongings, left on beaches, even for brief periods, are easy targets.

The authorities are making examples of those who prey on tourists, but obviously, there are those who percieve the risks as being worthwhile, even for a few dollars.
Doubtless there are also many thefts and attempted thefts that go unreported and undetected.

I have learned my lesson and will never carry valuables with me in future. I would strongly advise others to adopt a similar outlook or never to leave items of value, where they can be snatched or tampered with.

Cheers
Steve

[Simon]

Having experienced a break in at the villa where we stayed during our last visit I was told by the local police that it was the first time in our area for 2 years - now I am not so sure!

We kept a close watch on all our vaulables whilst at the beach, but think we were followed back by someone who saw my son's mini disc player being used.

The moral being that these items are so rare and attractive in Tobago that they stand out to the locals, not only do you need to keep a careful eye on your possessions but you need to be aware of how western goodies are viewed by others.

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Simon

Sorry to hear of the break-in during your last visit.
Where were you staying?
Perhaps some areas are more prone to crime than others.

I will certainly avoid Buccoo, like the plague, in future.

Cheers
Steve

[Simon]

Hello Steve

We were staying at the Courland villa which is not so far away from the Rex Turtle. We believe we were followed back from the Courland beach,
some distance, but we cannot think of how it could have happened anyother way.

The police thought it was someone young and inexperienced as several items, such as cameras, which were easy to see, were completely ignored.

Having experienced all this, this episode has not diminished my high regard for the people of Tobago, 99.9% of them being wonderful and so very helpful when this was all discovered and very embarrassed at the antics of their fellows.

Simon

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Simon

Following or watching tourists and waiting for an opportunity to steal from them is obviously a favoured method for the petty criminals, who I agree, are in the minority.
I think that the only answer is to be descrete and not to flaunt cameras and jewelery. I think that most of these opportunist thieves are after cash. rather than difficult to 'fence' items.
Most local people are sure that 'crack-heads' are responsible.
Not unlike our own country, drug related crime appears to be on the increase.

Steve

[Richard]

This is about the only place we were ever recommended to aviod, both by the car hire folk and Norris (Le-man, gardener at Turtle Beach).

He related a trip there, going onto the beach and turning around to see a hand reaching up towards his car.