State Department warns those traveling to Bahamas over high crime rate

The State Department is warning travelers to the Bahamas about the high crime rate in the country.

“The majority of crimes occur on New Providence Island (Nassau) and Grand Bahama Island (Freeport),” according to the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs. Said in Friday's travel advisory. “In Nassau, vigilance has been increased in the 'Over the Hill' area (south of Shirley Street) where gang violence has resulted in high homicide rates primarily affecting local residents. ”

The agency advises travelers traveling to the Bahamas to take actions such as not answering hotel doors “unless you know who you are” and “not physically resisting attempted robbery.” I warned you.

“Violent crimes such as robbery, armed robbery, and sexual assault occur in both tourist and non-tourist destinations,” the warning continued. “Be careful if you stay in a short-term vacation rental without a private security company.”

The warning came after the US Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning. security alert On Wednesday, the nation was informed that there had been 18 murders in the capital Nassau since the beginning of the year.

“Homicide happens at all hours of the day, including on the streets in broad daylight,” the warning said. “Retaliatory gang violence will be the primary motive for homicides in 2024.”

Vice President Kamala Harris announced more than $100 million in funding. funding During his visit to the Bahamas in the summer of 2023, assistance to the Bahamas was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID reported that the aid was proposed to be used to “address climate, energy, food security, and humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean region.” Agency press release.

“During his visit, the Vice President will build on his meetings with Caribbean leaders at the Summit of the Americas in June 2022, and jointly discuss the United States and the Caribbean with Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas, the current chair of the Caribbean Community. Co-hosted the Summit of Nations in Los Angeles,” the release said.