by Danielle Martin, Express TT

Prime Minister Patrick Manning has summoned three members of the diplomatic corps to meetings this morning, and will make a statement in Parliament in the afternoon on the issue of a warning to British nationals that they could become victims of a terrorist attack in Trinidad and Tobago.

Two UK-based cruise ship companies—P&O Cruises and its sister company Princess Cruises—pulled out of Trinidad and Tobago following the warning.

Manning told a post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall yesterday that he has called in the British High Commissioner, the United States Ambassador and the Brazilian Ambassador for separate meetings this morning and would make a comprehensive statement in Parliament this afternoon.

Meanwhile, as far as foreign bookings with mas bands and hotels go, all seemed to be normal yesterday for the 2003 Carnival season.

Legends reported that many foreigners were booking costumes.

“We are getting back the foreigners lost because of September 11,” said a spokesperson.

Barbarossa also reported good registration.

A Hilton Trinidad official said reservations were up to the usual 60 per cent at this time, and should be full by February.