The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago is warning members of the public against climbing on monuments following recent reports of inappropriate interactions with heritage assets.

Following complaints about persons mounting these structures, the organisation stated that such actions can cause irreversible damage to heritage assets, many of which are fragile due to age, and may also pose a risk of injury. It noted that monuments and historic objects are deeply symbolic and are regarded with reverence by various stakeholders.

As the body responsible for safeguarding the nation’s heritage and promoting public awareness, the National Trust is reminding citizens and visitors of the importance of treating sites, structures, artefacts, buildings, monuments, objects, and cultural landscapes with care and respect. It emphasised that some heritage assets may not be immediately recognisable, but still require careful handling.