It may not be so safe in a tropical paradise.
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning and travel advisory on Wednesday, citing 18 homicides on the island since January 1.
“Homicide happens at all hours of the day, including on the streets in broad daylight,” the warning reads. “Retaliatory gang violence will be the main motive for murders in 2024.”
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Aerial view of Nassau, Bahamas. The State Department is warning Americans traveling to the island nation, citing a sharp increase in homicides this year. (St. Petersburg)
The embassy warned Americans traveling to the Bahamas to “exceed extreme caution” and keep a low profile in eastern New Providence Island.
U.S. officials also urged travelers to the island not to physically resist robbers and to be careful when traveling at night.
The State Department has issued a “high alert” warning for the Bahamas, saying gang violence is behind the rise in murders.
“Violent crimes such as robbery, armed robbery, and sexual assault occur in both tourist and non-tourist destinations,” the warning said. “Be careful if you stay in a short-term vacation rental that does not have a private security company on staff.”
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Aerial view of a small atoll in Exuma, Bahamas. (Getty Images/File)
Attempts to contact the Bahamian embassy in Washington, D.C., were unsuccessful.
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In response to the rise in crime, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davies said authorities would erect barricades and launch further police operations, the Nassau Guardian reported.
“We will not violate anyone's civil liberties, but we may be subject to further road closures and unannounced police action,” he said. “While it may cause you to be late to an appointment or delay a planned project, it means our streets will be safer and our lives will be less compromised by murder and other violent crimes.” That's a small price to pay for the collective good of fewer people.”
Earlier this week, the State Department placed Jamaica on a “travel reconsideration” advisory.
“Violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and murders are on the rise. Sexual assaults are common, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the warning states. “Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal cases. Even when arrests are made, they are rarely prosecuted and sentenced.”
