  Karte gross 
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The crime situation in chaguaramas bay – Oktober 2006
from Caribbean Marine Association |
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The Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) is the Marine Trades Association for the yachting industry. We are aware of the increased level of crime in Chaguaramas although we are not a policing nor a security force, YSATT recognizes its role to assist in resolving this crime situation. Over the past eight weeks, there has been much discussion in Chaguaramas Bay by the visiting cruisers over the changes in the level of crime. Between May and July 2006, there have been number of dinghy thefts. More recently, and for the first time within the Chaguaramas area, there was the boarding of a vessel by 3 armed men. The captain and crew of the vessel were intimidated and robbed of most of their valuables and equipment. This incident fuelled the cruisers growing fears. Getting together on Aug 3rd, the cruisers formed a Working Group. Since then there has been a large amount of bad publicity about the situation in Trinidad and we are working towards managing the facts in a responsible and accurate manner. Some of what has been published is correct and some are definitely not. Local, regional and international marine related publications have been reaching all corners of the globe with reports of crime in Trinidad. On August 24th, the Chaguaramas Cruisers Working Group held their first meeting and YSATT was invited to share with the cruisers our plans for alleviating the situation. Other member addressed the group, providing details of immediate, short term as well as long term plans. The private sector particularly the marinas and boatyards have all been beefing up security in their individual establishments. Besides the visible initiatives, we have been and continue to liaise closely with the Coast Guard, Customs Interdiction unit and the local Police. The cruisers themselves are actively involved in this fight against crime, through the Chaguaramas Cruisers Working Group and also through a nightly “neighbourhood watch” in the anchorage zone. These initiatives have had an immediate effect on the number of crimes that have occurred and to date are proving to be highly successful. However, cruisers should not be expected to sustain such a system in the medium or long term. We understand that they expect a certain level of security but cruisers should not be the primary anti-crime watch group for Chaguaramas bay. Government has indicated that Yachting is one of the non-energy sectors earmarked for development. As such, all of the problems highlighted by the cruisers are being passed on to the ministries and agencies that can make decisions and provide resources to alleviate the situation. Also the Steering Committee for the development of the Yachting Industry is keenly aware of the damaging effect that the crime rate will have on the yachting sector. After the boarding incident, YSATT members provided the entire crew with free accommodation, took them to the Police and stored the vessel at no cost for the duration of the hurricane season. Additionally, the crew has been assisting the Police and the Coast Guard in their investigations. Unfortunately to date, the perpetrators have not been apprehended and we continue to follow up with the authorities regarding this investigation. Some of the initiatives taken by YSATT to decrease the threat of crime against cruisers are:
Being aware of their surroundings and looking out for one another. Understanding the differences between their own countries and Trinidad and Tobago. Avoiding any type of illegal activity. Reporting ALL incidents of crime, regardless of the degree, to the authorities. YSATT continues to work on behalf of the private sector and with the government agencies to emphasize the need for proper patrols and enforcement. We will continue to make Trinidad a safe destination, offering a host of contractor services, storage facilities and ancillary services. Apart from yachting-specific strengths, Trinidad is rich in fauna, flora, not to mention the culture, festivals and delicious cuisine. There is much interest by the private sector to make the changes necessary to enhance the cruisers experience. Yes there was an armed robbery in August, but the good news is that since that incident, there has not been a single crime reported in the area, petty or serious. This improvement is a testimonial to the commitment of the stakeholders and cruisers in Chaguaramas Bay. SAFETY & SECURITY NOTICE FOR CRUISING VISITORS Welcome to the Caribbean! The Caribbean Marine Association is the non-profit, umbrella organization for the yacht trade services the Caribbean. Always on the forefront of everyone’s minds, particularly in a foreign country is the issue of safety and security and we advise that you take certain precautions, as you would anywhere: Always ensure that your boat is properly locked and secured at all times. Do not anchor your boat in deserted anchorages. Ensure that you hire contractors known to the boatyards, the local marine trades association and other cruisers. Do not hire someone “off the street” to do work for you. Become acquainted with the cruisers around you, look out for suspicious behaviour by unknown persons and let your neighbours know. Be aware of your surroundings when handling cash and/or credit cards in public places (ATMs, banks, shops etc.) As always, it is preferable not to carry large sums of cash with you; leave your cash in a safe place: the bank, hotel safe boxes, or ask your boatyard/marina if they provide services for securing valuables. Do not invite strangers onto your vessel. People met in bars may not be as friendly as they first appeared. Pull your dinghies out of the water at night and make sure that they are properly locked to your vessel. Dinghy and outboard motor theft ranks amongst the highest yacht related crimes committed in the Caribbean. Travel in groups as much as you can – particularly when taking public transportation or walking on the road The use of controlled drugs such as cocaine, marijuana etc. is against the law. If you are approached to buy these drugs firmly decline. Breaking these laws carry stiff penalties – not just fines but prison sentences. Report all incidences of crime to the relevant authorities. |
