By NAN Travel Editor
News Americas, Toronto, Canada, Fri. Oct. 13, 2017: Hurricanes Irma and Maria have landed several Caribbean nations on the Canadian government’s ‘avoid all travel’ list but crime in eight countries not affected by hurricanes has now placed them on Canada’s ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ list.
Canadian authorities are warning its nationals in its October 12th advisory to be highly cautious and on guard when travelling to Suriname, The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago because of crime in those countries.
In Suriname, the Canadian government says foreigners are often targeted by criminals. “Violent crime, such as armed robbery and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, are common in Paramaribo and surrounding areas. Major business districts and shopping areas and areas near popular hotels are particularly affected,” the latest advisory said.
It also added that banditry and lawlessness are problems in the cities of Albina and Moengo and along the East–West Link, the highway between Paramaribo and Albina.
In The Bahamas, Canadians are being urged to be wary due to high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.
“Crime, including violent crime, occurs mainly on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama,” states the advisory. “There has been an increase in muggings, armed robberies, home invasions and sexual assault targeting tourists in the cities of Nassau and Freeport.”
Travelers from Canada to Belize and the Dominican Republic are also being warned to be cautious “due to a high rate of violent crime throughout the country.”
“Criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize,” states the advisory on Belize while it warns travelers to the DR of “petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is prevalent throughout the country. Incidents occur at resorts, beaches, airports, bus stations and on public transportation.”
Canadians are also being warned to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Haiti due to high crime rates in various parts of the country and ongoing political tension and are especially being warned to avoid non-essential travel to the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area.
In Jamaica, Canadian travelers are being urged to be vigilant because of a “high level of violent crime” in the country including armed robbery and murder particularly in Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay.
Tivoli Gardens, Whitfield Town, Payne Land, West Kingston, Grant’s Pen, August Town, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Arnett Gardens, Olympic Gardens, Harbour View, Central Village, Spanish Town, Mountain View, Trench Town, Cassava Piece, Canterbury, Norwood and Rose Heights. You should also avoid some parts of Montego Bay, namely St. Clavers Avenue and Hart Street, Flankers, Canterbury, Norwood, Rose Heights and Mount Salem should all be avoided the Canadian government warned.
Canadians are also being urged to be wary when travelling to Guyana because of high crime levels there, including assaults, pickpocketing, purse snatching, break-ins, armed robberies, car thefts and carjackings particularly in Georgetown, including Stabroek Market, Tiger Bay and South Georgetown.
And in Trinidad & Tobago, Canadians are being warned to be on guard because of violent robberies, assaults and rape occur frequently.
“Remain highly vigilant in Laventille and at popular tourist sites such as Fort George, La Brea (Pitch Lake) and Las Cuevas beach, where crimes targeting foreigners have been reported,” the statement warns.
