LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 09 MAY 2019 MAY 09, 2019

AMERICAS

Canada

Today, travelers in urban centers, particularly Ottawa and Toronto, should avoid “March for Life” anti-abortion marches as a precaution. In Ottawa, participants will rally at Parliament Hill at 12:30 PM local time before marching through the city center. In Toronto, participants will rally at Queen’s Park from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM local time. Additional, smaller demonstrations are also planned in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon Territory. The annual march is anticipated to be well-attended as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of Canada’s abortion legislation.

Honduras

Travelers should anticipate disruption and avoid any protests related to intermittent nationwide power outages. Affected areas include the departments of Atlantida, Cortes, Colon, and Olancho. Energy company Empresa Energia Honduras (EEH) has announced further blackouts from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM local time today in El Paraiso department.

Venezuela

Today, travelers in Caracas and other urban centers should avoid demonstrations during a 24-hour strike by university professors and students over education funding and salary issues. Protesters are likely to gather near university campuses and common rally points; in Caracas, a student demonstration is planned at the Instituto Pedagogico de Caracas. Such events have the potential to result in clashes with security forces, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

Travelers in Israel and the Palestinian Territories should expect heightened security and related disruption around May 15, the Palestinian commemoration of Nakba Day, which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. This year’s commemorations coincide with the anniversary of the inauguration of the US Embassy in Jerusalem and heightened tensions following cross-border hostilities on May 4-5. Precedents suggest that local scuffles between protesters and Israeli security forces may occur. Security measures, including movement restrictions, may be implemented with little or no warning. Travelers should avoid all related gatherings as a precaution.

Chad

Travelers in Ndjamena should avoid further potentially unruly protests against police in the low-income Moursal area. Tensions are high in the area after the death of a local youth following his release from police custody. Yesterday, local residents attacked the police station, where the youth had earlier been in custody, using machetes and Molotov cocktails. Police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the gathering. Local residents claim that the youth was tortured in police custody. Authorities have deployed additional officers to and cordoned off the police station.

Jordan

Today, travelers in Amman should avoid a protest at 7:50 PM local time near the Fourth Circle to demand political and economic reforms. Related gatherings in previous months at the same venue have passed off peacefully. Travelers should expect a heightened security force presence and potential traffic restrictions around the gathering, including near the Prime Minister’s office and Jordan Hospital.

Kenya

Travelers in coastal counties should continue to exercise caution and anticipate potential disruption due to ongoing heavy rain. Rains are forecast to further intensify on May 11-12. The counties of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa and Taita-Taveta as well as southern parts of Tana-River County will be particularly impacted, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). Heavy rain is liable to cause flash flooding and mudslides in affected areas. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts and reconfirm the status of routes before setting out on journeys.

Lebanon

Travelers in Mansourieh should anticipate further protests over a planned power line project. On May 7-8, protesters clashed with security forces after some attempted to block the road between Mansourieh and Beit Mery. Today, security forces blocked roads leading to St Therese Church in anticipation of unrest, as local residents have pledged to continue protesting until their demands are met. Travelers should avoid all gatherings and ensure routes are clear prior to setting out.

Nigeria

Tomorrow, travelers in Abuja should plan routes bypassing a planned demonstration by women’s rights groups to minimize inconvenience. Participants will gather at Eagle Square at 9:00 AM local time to denounce alleged police violence towards women. Related rallies were held in Abuja and Lagos May 4.

Oman

A human case of H9N2 avian influenza has been reported. This is the first human infection detected in the country. Bird flu can cause a mild to severe respiratory illness which may be fatal. Most people who have been infected have had direct exposure to birds. The risk of infection in the general population appears to be low. Travelers should prevent infection by paying attention to hygiene and avoiding contact with birds and their environment.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Indonesia

Today, travelers in Jakarta should anticipate disruption and plan journeys bypassing the vicinity of a protest planned by the Joint Elements of People for Justice and Truth (GERAK). The group is protesting alleged fraud in the recently held General Election. Demonstrators will gather at Taman Banteng at 1:00 PM local time before marching to the Elections Supervisory Board and the General Elections Commission. Authorities will deploy up to 11,000 security personnel to maintain order during the demonstration, which is expected to pass off peacefully.

Kazakhstan

Today, travelers in urban centers should avoid planned anti-government demonstrations due to the risk of local unrest. The opposition Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) movement has called supporters to rally in public squares and parks to protest multiple political issues, including the renaming of the capital and the June 9 Presidential Elections. Veterans oppose the rallies, as they coincide with Victory Day. Additionally, the DVK is outlawed in the country; therefore, any related rallies are liable to result in unrest and be forcibly dispersed by security forces.

Maldives

A surge in cases of dengue have been reported across the island including Male. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and is present in both rural and urban areas. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms and has no particular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine is available in several locations, it is only recommended for people who have been infected with dengue in the past and are living or traveling in areas with high levels of dengue transmission. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

Nepal

Travelers in Kathmandu should avoid further protests in the Boudha district over an unfinished road construction project. Today, protesters blocked a section of the Chabahil-Sankhu Road with burning tires during clashes with security forces. The protest has since ended but further demonstrations are likely until local residents’ grievances have been addressed. Travelers planning journeys through the affected area should ensure that routes are clear prior to setting out.

EUROPE

Regional

Today, travelers in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, and Tajikistan should plan journeys bypassing annual Victory Day commemorations. Sympathies towards Russia remain strong in many Balkan states, and marches will mark the part played by the former Soviet Union in defeating Nazi Germany in WWII. While gatherings are likely to be peaceful, they may cause local disruption. Travelers should expect a heightened security presence in the vicinity of related events.

Belgium

Travelers in main cities should avoid further climate rallies in major cities through late May. The “Youth for Climate” student group, which has been organizing protests in Brussels since January, plans to continue protesting every Thursday until European Parliamentary Elections on May 23-26. The next demonstration is planned for 10:30 AM local time today at Bruxelles Central in Brussels. Protesters are calling on the EU and the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Previous demonstrations in Brussels on March 31 resulted in scuffles and damage of property.

France

Today, travelers should reconfirm flight schedules and avoid all protests linked to a nationwide strike by civil servants over proposed reforms. Several airports are expected to reduce their operations, including Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS), Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The reduced flight program will result in delays and cancellations at affected airports. Additionally, a large rally will be held in Paris at Place DenfertRochereau at 2:00 PM local time.

Travelers should continue to avoid weekly protests by the “Yellow Vests”movement due to the risk of local unrest. Further nationwide gatherings are expected on Saturday, May 11. A demonstration has been scheduled in Paris at 2:00 PM local time at Place de la Republique. Rallies may also occur elsewhere in the city. Previously, around 19,000 people attended associated demonstrations across the country on May 4, including approximately 1,500 in Paris. This was the lowest turnout since the protest movement began.

Germany

Today, passengers transiting Frankfurt Airport (FRA) should expect residual disruption and delays after the facility reopened following a zero-rate regulation closure due to drone activity. While flight operations have resumed, travelers should expect delays as authorities work to clear passenger backlogs.

Russia

Today, travelers in urban centers should anticipate significant traffic disruption ahead of and during annual Victory Day parades. Heightened security measures should be expected, especially around parade routes and celebration areas. Road closures and traffic diversions have been announced, and flight restrictions have been implemented, though these will be brief and only affect airports serving Moscow. Disruption is particularly likely in “hero cities,” including Moscow, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Volgograd, Tula, Novorossiysk, and Smolensk.

Spain

Today, travelers in Barcelona and other urban centers in Catalonia should avoid protests during a students’ strike over increasing fees. In Barcelona, a demonstration in planned at 12:00 PM local time at Placa de la Universitat. Students also intend to block university campuses beginning at 10:30 AM local time at Palau Reial, Agora, Placa Civica, and Porxo in Barcelona. Similar protests are likely in other urban centers, including Girona and Figueres. Further demonstrations are planned for Thursday, May 16, though details are not currently available. During related gatherings on May 7, participants partially blocked Avinguda Diagonal and Avinguda Litoral in Barcelona.

Ukraine

Today, travelers in urban centers should avoid all events related to Victory Day, which commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in WWII, due to the potential for local disturbances. Travelers should anticipate heightened security, including road closures, especially around celebration areas. Disruption is particularly likely in “hero cities,” including Kiev and Odessa. An “Immortal Legion of Ukraine” march in Kiev will begin at the Arsenalna Metro Station at 10:00 AM local time, while one by the “Victory Regiment” in Zaporizhzhia will start at 9:30 AM local time in Mayakovskogo Square.

United Kingdom

On Sunday, May 12, travelers in London should plan journeys bypassing a climate march by a civil society organization. Participants will gather at 12:00 PM local time at Hyde Park Corner for the march to Parliament Square; the event is due to conclude at 3:00 PM local time. The rally is likely to pass off peacefully and be well attended, causing local disruption.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

May 9
Armenia: Victory and Peace Day
Australia, Canada, Israel, United
Kingdom, United States: Yom
HaAtzmaut
Azerbaijan: Victory Day over
Fascism
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Belarus,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova,
Serbia, Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan: Victory Day
Guernsey, Jersey: Liberation Day
Luxembourg, Moldova, Kosovo:
Europe Day
Thailand: Royal Ploughing
Ceremony Day
Ukraine: Victory Day / Memorial
Day
Uzbekistan: Remembrance Day

May 10
Micronesia: Constitution Day
Guernsey: Liberation Day (only
Sark)
Kazakhstan: Victory Day Extra
Holiday
Moldova: Victory Day Holiday
Romania: Monarchy Day
Russia: Defender of the Fatherland
Day Holiday
El Salvador: Mothers’ Day
United States: Confederate

May 12
Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda,
The Bahamas, Canada, Colombia,
Curaçao, Czech Republic,
Germany, Finland, Ghana,
Honduras, Iceland, Jamaica,
Cayman Islands, Sri Lanka, Latvia,
New Zealand, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Trinidad and Tobago, United
States, South Africa: Mother’s Day
Benin: Mother’s Day
Brazil: Mother’s Day
Botswana: Mother’s Day
Belarus: Day of the National
Emblem and Flag of Belarus
Congo: Mother’s Day
Cuba: Mother’s Day
Cabo Verde: Mother’s Day
Gabon: Mother’s Day
Grenada: Mother’s Day
Georgia: St Andrew’s Day
Hong Kong: Buddha’s Birthday
Hong Kong: Mother’s Day
Kenya: Mother’s Day
Cambodia: Mother’s Day
South Korea: Buddha’s Birthday
Macau: Buddha’s Birthday
Mauritius: Mother’s Day
Romania: Father’s Day
Chad: Mother’s Day
Tanzania: Mother’s Day
Ukraine: Mother’s Day
Uganda: Mother’s Day
US Virgin Islands: Mother’s Day
Zambia: Mother’s Day
Zimbabwe: Mother’s Day


May 13
Hong Kong: Day following
Buddha’s Birthday
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 1)
Tuvalu: Gospel Day
Samoa: Mother’s Day

May 14
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 2)
Liberia: National Unification Day
Malawi: Kamuzu Day
Paraguay: National Holiday


May 15

Colombia: Teacher´s Day
Spain: Feast Day of St Isidore
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 3)
South Korea: Teacher’s Day
Moldova: Family Day
Mongolia: Family Day
Paraguay: Independence Day

May 16
Greenland: General Prayer Day
South Sudan: SPLA Day

May 17
Congo (DRC): Liberation Day
Denmark: Great Prayer Day
Spain: Galicia Literature Day
Faroe Islands: Prayer Day
Norway: 17 May Constitution Day
(1814)
Nauru: Constitution Day

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