The Canadian Government, in the last six months, has been warning its citizens of an increase in crime and kidnapping in T&T, Canadian High Commissioner Simon Wade confirmed yesterday...
News Source: Trinidad Guardian
However, he said there had been no massive increase in T&T nationals applying to go to Canada, or seeking refugee status there.
He made the points after delivering the feature address at Port-of-Spain West Rotarians? weekly luncheon, at the Cascadia Hotel, St Ann?s.
Wade was asked by reporters if Canada had issued any travel advisory warning citizens about crime in T&T, as Germany did recently.
?We have a travel report on the Internet and Canadians look at it,? Wade said.
?The message on it has been saying for some months that people should be aware there has been an increase in crime and kidnappings and people should exercise due caution, especially at night.?
Wade said the advisory had been on the Internet for about six months, and had not been changed since.
He added: ?When T&T had the series of kidnappings, we felt it was necessary just to make certain that people are aware that they could visit here, but that there are times in most places where you need to exercise caution.?
Asked his opinion of the crime situation here, Wade replied: ?I don?t have a view on that.?
Wade denied news reports last week suggesting that people were rushing to apply for refugee status.
He said a few applications for refugee status are always being made in Canada.
?But there?s been no sign of any increases here.?
Wade said Canada receives an average of about 200 refugee status applications by T&T nationals per year.
?I?m not exactly sure of the figure, that?s an estimate on my part, but there hasn?t been any increase in this area,? he added.
He said he knew of no feedback in Canada about the recent Ottawa Citizen news report on crime, terrorism and the Jamaat al Muslimeen.
Wade also said there has been no change in visa restrictions between T&T and Canada.
