Travelers coming to Barbados from one of this country’s main tourist markets are being warned to be on the alert for possible terrorist attacks.
In a travel advisory updated on Tuesday, the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cautioned that “although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Barbados, attacks cannot be ruled out”.
“There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times,” the foreign travel advice posted on the official United Kingdom government website informed British citizens.
It said the UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.
However, Barbados’ Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds said that even though terrorist threats against this island are “highly improbable”, there would always be concern about possible attacks due to “hateful and divisive policy making” by countries in the North Atlantic.
“I don’t see any basis for even mentioning the issue of terrorism with respect to Barbados because it is obviously a nonexistent threat and highly improbable,” Symmonds told Barbados TODAY in an interview.
“But I imagine that as with many countries in the North Atlantic where, in recent times, right-wing public policy has alienated and offended both migrant populations and the dignity and self-respect of citizens of developing countries, there will be a concern about the potential backlash which such hateful and divisive policy making can cause.
“Perhaps, that is the reason why the issue has been raised. But, as the report itself concedes, there is no recent history of such incidents in this country.”
The British government is also urging its nationals to be aware that in Barbados, “there have been incidents of violent crime, including armed robbery, sexual assault, gang-related shootings and carjackings.
“There has been an increase in gang-related murders involving guns. Some incidents have taken place in populated and public areas. Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety,” the FCDO further advised.
UK travelers have been advised to make sure their accommodation is secure, to be careful when walking alone off busy main roads and taking money from ATMs, avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark, and to only use licensed taxis.
“Take particular care around large gatherings,” the advisory also added, “including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewelry. Leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or secure hotel safe.”
The FCDO also posted a special message to LGBT+ travelers:
“In the Caribbean,” it pointed out, “attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public, for example, holding hands or kissing. Doing this may attract unwanted and negative attention.”
British travelers have also been given advice on the use of taxis in Barbados: “Taxis do not have meters. There are standard fares for most destinations. Agree the fare in Barbados dollars with the driver before you set off. Drivers do not always accept card payments, so carry cash with you.”
Symmonds said based on the UK government’s travel advice patterns, it was evident that they issued advisories on an annual basis, which sought to look after the safety of their citizens while traveling abroad.
The Barbados Foreign Minister said that In 2023 and 2024, for example, references were made to the need to be cautious about being in crowded places and to be mindful of what was then described as petty crime, especially in tourist areas.
“What we are now seeing is an increased focus on the nature of crime, with the British government emphasising the need for visitors to be cautious about isolated areas, and urging their citizens to use registered taxis, and to be generally sensitive to their personal security as instances of gun-related crimes and other serious offenses, have increased. In that regard the report was faithful to the facts,” Symmonds declared.
“The first time that any reference to terrorism was raised in any such report was, I believe, in 2024 and it was again raised in 2025… but in each case within the context that British citizens face a global terror threat… but that there is no recent history of terrorism in Barbados, though it is impossible to say that it will never happen.”
emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
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