US travel advisories are apolitical in nature: UNC

Trinidad and Tobago: US Embassy in Bridgetown Barbados has advised its citizens not to travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Several areas have been defined by the embassy. Soon after the announcements, UNC took a dig at the government

The opposition stated that they are aware of the recent Press Release from the US Embassy regarding the Department of State’s travel advisory to US citizens.

The Embassy must be aware of American Founding Father, President John Adams, who is famous for stating, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

The opposition stated that it is fully aware that US Travel Advisories are apolitical in nature, and in no way reflect the US’s relationship with any country or with any specific political party within a country.

“It is notable that the Embassy did not declare that the UNC Press Release misquoted the Department of State in any way.” added UNC

To quote directly from their Travel Advisory, “Do not travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to restricted travel options put in place to prevent COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.” stated the opposition.

Also: “Do not travel to: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain due to crime.”

As the Official Opposition in Trinidad and Tobago, it is of grave concern that our country has been added to the US’s “Level Four: Do Not Travel” list.

The US has published critical information on Trinidad and Tobago for the world to read and be guided by.

The UNC strongly disagrees with any attempt to tell the Official Opposition of Trinidad and Tobago how to process, investigate and further explain information which has been published and put into the public domain.