US Embassy explains recent updated travel advisory for T&T

The US Embassy has explained its recent updated travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago.
The Trinidad and Tobago government expressed shock at the latest travel advisory issued by the United States, which encouraged Americans to avoid the capital due to violence and shootings.
Washington DC maintained a Level 2 advisory for Trinidad and Tobago but issued a Level 4 advisory for Port of Spain, advising US citizens not to travel there.
In addition, the advisory stated that US government personnel are prohibited from traveling to several areas including all beaches, claiming that violent crimes, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping are common.
Via a release the Embassy said that the U.S. Travel Advisory for T&T was updated on October 5 due to a change in health restrictions for COVID-19. The security and safety aspects of the advisory did not change.
It said Travel Advisories do not target specific countries, noting that each country is assigned an overall Travel Advisory Level from 1-4.
It maintained the Department’s Travel Advisory levels are based on established risk indicators such as health, crime, terrorism, kidnapping or hostage taking, civil unrest, natural disasters, and other potential risks.  Each country’s level is based on an assessment of domestic conditions that might affect the welfare or safety of U.S. citizens.
Advisories are updated when a change in any part of the advisory occurs. They are also updated when the advisory is lowered.
The release ended by saying that the Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas and is committed to providing U.S. citizens with the most up-to-date, fact-based, accurate, and transparent information to keep U.S. citizens informed when they are abroad.