8 Anti-Crime Tips for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Visitors

Don’t let bandits take the fun out of your carnival vacation

This is a heads up if you intend to visit Trinidad and Tobago for the local Carnival celebrations. Rest assured that even though Trinidad and Tobago is ranked alongside Jamaica as one of the most dangerous island murder capitals in the Caribbean, it is still a very safe place to visit.

There are a few things to know if you intend to visit Trinidad for the Carnival celebrations. This is especially true for visitors who do not have friends or family in Trinidad. Even more so if you have never visited during Carnival. Here are some tips that the CIA Report or travel brochures wouldn’t mention.

Let’s clear this up; “Bandits” (the name given to robbery perpetrators in Trinidad and Tobago) can and will rob anyone at any time. These tips are intended to make you aware of some behaviors that can make you less likely to become a victim while on vacation. This is not a joke.

Local “bandits” have been known to rob everyone who rides in a maxi taxi (that’s the local public transportation that seats 12 or 25 passengers). The police service is not as efficient as law-abiding natives would like. They are known for a low crime detection rate; currently less than 10 percent. Of course, as a visitor, you’ll get more attention, but that doesn’t equal a hill of beans if you get hurt or lose your valuables. This is what you need to know…

1. Blend in: Visitors are more vulnerable because they tend to stand out from the crowd. The natives can easily identify a tourist by the way he is dressed, his accent and what he is carrying in his hand. Unfortunately, if you’re Caucasian, you stand out even more. Although there is a small percentage of Caucasians who made Trinidad and Tobago their home long ago, even some of the natives are attacked. Regardless of your race, do not:

2. Dress: It is hot in Trinidad and most visitors tend to dress much lighter than in cold climates. The warning is for women, do not wear seductive and skimpy clothes, be sensible, you do not want to be marked by an unforgivable sin. Everyone, men and women, should not adorn themselves with jewelry. Leave it in your hotel room or at home. And while we’re at it, also leave your passport and travel documents in a safe place.

3. Private Transportation: Don’t rent a car and drive aimlessly around Port of Spain or some other areas in Trinidad that were tagged as hotspots during the recent state of emergency. In fact, if you can avoid renting a vehicle, do so because if you came to enjoy the carnival you cannot use a vehicle in the places with the most action. If you must rent a vehicle, make sure you have a native who can tell you where not to go.

4. Public Transportation: You are safest on the government-run buses that you can board in Port of Spain. These buses run all over the country, but they are not always very reliable. It may require a bit of waiting, but if you get the schedule and are patient, that’s the safest way to take a trip, say from Port of Spain to Arima. Believe it or not, the next best and safest form of transportation is the above mentioned maxi taxis. Yes, there have been several break-ins from these vehicles, but in general they are a safe and fast way to travel. They are on a fast route from Port of Spain to Arima on what is called the “Priority Bus Route”.

5. PH Transportation: You can also use the regular passenger sedan taxi that all start with the letter “H”. Privately owned vehicles begin with the letter “P” but are also used as taxis. Locally, they are known as “PH” taxis and there is no recognizable difference between a rental “PH” and a private vehicle, except for the actions of the driver. They may see you standing on the side of the road and honk their horns or use hand signals to let you know they’re hired. This mode of transportation, as you can imagine, is the most dangerous way to travel. There are many more stories of the driver being attacked or a passenger and the driver stealing, sometimes raping another passenger.

6. Carnival Events: To experience the true spirit of Carnival you will want to attend a few select events. For music lovers, bread is the order of the day although on Carnival day you will see many large trucks with DJs playing a variety of local and foreign music. However, at the cultural show expect to hear calypso, soca and chutney. Attending these events can be difficult if you are a tourist and know very little about the island. You may be able to get transportation to the event, but it’s the return trip that can be scary. Avoid it if you can. This is where your only option may be the “PH” vehicles. That late at night it’s not wise to rely on that mode of transportation, even for natives. Always arrange how you will return to your venue before venturing out to an evening event. You shouldn’t go to a party because it sounds funny on the radio or TV.

7. Drugs: If you use drugs and are caught with even one joint of marijuana, you will be arrested. Do not try to buy drugs from strangers. There are marijuana and cocaine dealers in every city in Trinidad, but unless you know someone, and you wouldn’t because you’re a visitor, it would be just plain stupid to try to buy drugs. And by the way, if he’s thinking of bringing his own, that would also land him in jail. Possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia is a felony in Trinidad and Tobago.

8. Drinking – Be aware that if you are driving in Trinidad and Tobago, recently passed breathalyzer legislation was recently passed and you could be arrested if you are field tested as if intoxicated. If you don’t drive, drinking in public is allowed as you will notice that the locals are not shy about drinking in public.

We hope what you read here puts things in perspective for you. This was not written to scare you or ruin your Carnival vacation. This is a heads up and you can enjoy our tropical paradise with its beautiful sights and sounds. You’ll leave with a lifetime of Kodak moments to share with family and friends. Have a great time in Trinidad and Tobago.