Warden Information

Warden Message February 1, 2008

Increases to U.S. Passport Fees and New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors

On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government will increase its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services.  For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee will increase to $75.  For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee will increase to $100. The fee for minors under 16 years of age will be $85.

Effective February 1, 2008, passport applicants who are U.S. citizen minors under the age of 16 must appear personally with their parents to establish identity, proof of citizenship and proof of relationship.   For parental application permission, both parents must appear together and sign, or one parent may appear to sign and submit the other parent’s notarized statement, or one parent may appear, sign, and submit primary evidence of sole authority.  Minors age 16 and 17 may apply in person with their own identification, but for security reasons, parental consent may be required.  If your child does not have identification of their own, a parent will be required to accompany the child and present identification. 

Please refer to the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov for complete information on all new requirements, including downloadable revised forms that must be used as of February 1,  and the U.S. Embassy website at www.trinidad.usembassy.gov , for complete U.S. passport application instructions.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website www.trinidad.usembassy.gov  and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in Trinidad and Tobago are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.  U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via e-mail  at ACSPOS@state.gov or by calling 868-622-6371/2/3/4/5/6 . This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at www.trinidad.usembassy.gov . 

Warden Message November 6, 2007

Product Recall

This Warden message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Trinidad and Tobago to a recall of certain frozen food items. The following information was posted by General Mills Corporation on their website recalling Totinos and Jeno’s Frozen Pizzas.

On Nov. 1, 2007, General Mills Operations of Wellston, Ohio, USA issued a voluntary recall of an undetermined amount of frozen meat pizza products for fear that they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness. Below is a list of items that have been recalled in the U.S, but may be available at several super markets throughout Trinidad & Tobago.

10.2-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza Pepperoni."

10.2-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Classic Pepperoni."

10.2-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Pepperoni Trio."

10.7-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Combination Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza."

10.5-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Three Meat Sausage, Canadian Style Bacon & Pepperoni Pizza."

10.9-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Supreme Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza with Green Peppers & Onions."

6.8-ounce packages of "JENO'S CRISP `N TASTY PIZZA, PEPPERONI."

7.0-ounce packages of "JENO'S CRISP `N TASTY PIZZA, COMBINATION SAUSAGE AND PEPPERONI PIZZA."

7.2-ounce packages of "JENO'S CRISP `N TASTY PIZZA, SUPREME SAUSAGE AND PEPPERONI WITH GREEN PEPPERS AND ONION PIZZA."

Each package also bears the establishment number "EST. 7750" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a "best if used by" date on or before "02 APR 08 WS." The company applies the "best if used by date" on the package based on a 155-day shelf life, however consumers are urged to look in their freezers for similar frozen pizza products and discard them if found.

The frozen meat pizza products subject to recall were produced on or before Oct. 30 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

The problem was discovered following an investigation carried out by the Tennessee Department of Health in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into a multi-state cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that may be linked to this product. Illnesses occurred in Illinois (1), Kentucky (3), Missouri (2), New York (2), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (8), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (1). Illness onset dates ranged between July 20 and Oct. 10. All patients have recovered. The CDC, State public health departments and FSIS also continue investigation into the multi-state illness outbreak.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Consumer Hotline at (800) 949-9055. Media with questions about the recall should contact company Director of Communications Tom Forsythe at (763) 764-6364.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0:00 am to 4:00 pm (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

For further information on the General Mills Product Recall, visit their website at http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/media_center/index.aspx

The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago is located at 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain and can be contacted by email: acspos@state.gov or by telephone # (868) 622-6371-6 from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm for routine matters and 24 hours a day for emergencies. Also, for recent public announcements and other notices of general interest, please refer to the embassy's website at http://usembassy.state.gov/trinidad

Warden Message May 31, 2007

Hurricane Season

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the Hurricane Season in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico.  The official Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November.  This Public Announcement expires on December 7, 2007.

Experts at the National Weather Service predict a 75 percent chance that activity during the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above normal this year, forecasting 13 to 17 named storms, with 7 to 10 becoming hurricanes.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends that those in hurricane-prone regions begin preparations at this time for the upcoming season. 

In the past, many U.S. citizens traveling abroad to affected regions have been forced to delay their return to the United States due to infrastructure damage to airports and limited flight availability.  In many cases, flights were suspended and passengers faced long delays due to the need to repair a damaged airport.  Roads were also washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas.  In the event of a hurricane, travelers should be aware that they may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or more.

In the aftermath of a storm, U.S. citizens have encountered uncomfortable and often dangerous conditions that have lasted for several days while awaiting transportation back to the U.S.  Reports of looting and sporadic violence are not uncommon, but can be exaggerated.  Security personnel may not be readily available to assist at all times.

Should a situation require an evacuation from an overseas location, the State Department will work with commercial airlines to ensure the safest and most efficient repatriation of U.S. citizens possible.  Commercial airlines are the Department’s primary source of transportation in an evacuation.  Other means of transport are utilized only as a last resort.  The Department of State will not provide no-cost transportation but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need.  U.S. citizens should obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency.

U.S. citizens living in or traveling to storm-prone regions overseas should prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by organizing a kit containing a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, and vital documents (especially passport and identification) in a waterproof container.  Emergency shelters often have access only to basic resources and limited medical and food supplies.

U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the National Weather Service at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov, and other media to stay aware of any weather developments in their area.  Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation.  Travelers should apprise family and friends in the U.S. of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.  Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known.  While Consular Officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers should always be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions. 

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found in the “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” pamphlet at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html, and on the “Natural Disasters” page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.  Updated information on travel in the Caribbean may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Travelers to the region are encouraged to check the Internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory they will be visiting (accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/).  For further information please consult the Consular Information Sheet for the country or territory in question, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

Warden Message May 31, 2007

Travel Warning - Venezuela

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens to continuing nationwide demonstrations throughout Venezuela in the wake of the government's decision not to renew the broadcasting license of Radio Caracas Television. In light of the current environment, it is recommended that the American public carefully consider the risks of travel to Venezuela. This Public Announcement expires June 29, 2007.

Demonstrations, which began the weekend of May 27-28, continue in Caracas, Maracay, Maracaibo, Merida, Porlamar, Valencia, and other major cities. Demonstrators are congregating in main streets and plazas in support of freedom of speech. Students are calling for university strikes to protest President Chavez's decision not to renew Radio Caracas Television's (RCTV's) broadcast license. The government is organizing counter-demonstrations. Riot police are out in force near congregations of demonstrators and near government buildings in Caracas and other major cities. While some demonstrations are occurring without incident, police in Caracas used tear gas, water cannons, and plastic pellets to disperse crowds over the weekend of May 27-28. There are reports of at least one fatality.

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Venezuela to exercise caution in and around the country's major cities and to monitor local media and other information sources in order to avoid areas in which demonstrations are occurring. American citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful may turn violent.

In light of the current circumstances, U.S. citizens are advised to consider the risks before traveling to Venezuela at this time. American citizens already in Venezuela should monitor regularly the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Consular Information Sheet for Venezuela, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and other travel information can be found. Up to date information on security also can be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada. Callers outside the United States and

Canada may call a toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

All Americans in Venezuela are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov, or by phone or in person directly with the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Venezuela and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans with an e-mail address.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Calle 7 con calle Suapure, Urb. Colinas de Valle Arriba. The 24-hour telephone number is (58) 212-975-6411. The U.S. Embassy website is http://caracas.usembassy.gov/. In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.

Warden Message October 11, 2006

Security Alert

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas.  This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated June 6, 2006 and expires on April 9, 2007.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. 

Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries.  Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. 

In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.  The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets. Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests.  A series of bombings in Thailand in May and September 2006 which targeted tourist destinations, the bombings in the Egyptian resort town of Dahab in April 2006, the bombings at a market in Palu, Indonesia in December 2005, the hotel bombings in Jordan in early November 2005 and the bombing of a crowded marketplace in New Delhi in October 2005 illustrate how terrorists exploit vulnerabilities associated with soft targets.  Additional examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays.  Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 is one such example.

In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems.  In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Warden Message September 22, 2006

U.S. citizens should be aware of a recent attempted robbery at the Ellerslie Plaza located on Maraval Rd, St. Clair at approximately 6:00 p.m. on September 06, 2006. This is an area highly frequented by U.S. citizens. Specifically, the incident took place at the Gelato-Italian Ice Cream shop located next to the Sports Outlet. It should be noted that the cashier was in fact robbed during this incident and that this was the second armed robbery of this establishment in a seven-day period. U.S. citizens should continue to use caution while shopping in this area as well as other areas throughout Trinidad and Tobago.  There is no information to indicate U.S. citizens for foreign nationals are being targeted. The U.S. Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens, that if you are the victim of a crime, it is recommended to always cooperate.  Give up your valuables. It is advised that you do not publicly display cash and expensive jewelry, as it will attract attention. All U.S. citizens should remain aware of their surroundings; stay alert and recognize if you are being followed; always identify safe-havens and security presence/locations and alter movements if danger is sensed.

Please contact the police immediately if you observe suspicious persons, vehicles, and/or activities in your neighborhood or workplace.

For additional information or assistance please visit our website at http://trinidad.usembassy.gov or email us at ACSpos@state.gov. The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. except U.S. and local holidays.

Warden Message January 23, 2006

International and local media are increasingly reporting on the spread of avian influenza. The U.S. government urges all Americans living abroad to be aware of the possibility of an avian influenza pandemic and the likely limitations on the U.S. government response abroad. Should an avian flu pandemic occur, public health measures like social distancing (quarantining) and restrictions on domestic or international movement may dictate U.S. government actions and could require a "stay in place" response for Americans abroad, as well as for embassy employees.

All Americans living in Trinidad and Tobago are urged to carefully read the Avian Influenza Fact Sheet that has been posted to the embassy's website at http://usembassy.state.gov/trinidad and to the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html. In particular, Americans living in Trinidad and Tobago should note, as is emphasized in the consular Avian Influenza Fact Sheet, that the U.S. government cannot provide anti-virals or vaccines (once available) to private Americans and their dependents. It is therefore imperative to plan now for your response in the event of a pandemic. American residents in Trinidad and Tobago are urged to monitor local and international news and to maintain a stock of water and food in order to be prepared for the possibility of restrictions on movement.

U.S. citizens should refer to http://travel.state.gov for information, up-to-date public announcements and other country specific information. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or outside the U.S. on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago is located at 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain and can be contacted at (868) 622-6371-6 from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm for routine matters and 24 hours a day for emergencies. Also, for recent public announcements and other notices of general interest, please refer to the embassy's website at http://usembassy.state.gov/trinidad