The US State Department has done that warned US citizens under a travel advisory for the Bahamas due to a significant increase in homicides within the island nation. Eighteen murders have been reported since the start of the year, prompting the embassy to issue warnings about potential security risks for those traveling to or staying in the Bahamas.
The advisory notes that the killings in the Bahamas occurred at different times, including during the day on public streets. It specifically attributes these 2024 incidents primarily to gang-related retaliatory violence.
To combat rising crime, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis has introduced several security measures. These include the establishment of roadblocks and improved police operations. While acknowledging these steps may cause inconvenience to both locals and tourists, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure public safety.
“We will not violate anyone’s civil liberties, but you will likely face more roadblocks and unannounced police action,” said Prime Minister Davis. “This may cause you to be late for your appointments or postpone your plans, but this is a small price to pay for the collective benefit of making our streets safer and our lives less destroyed by murder and other violent crimes. crimes.”
This advice followed a recent warning to reconsider travel by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jamaica, which highlights common violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, assaults and murders. The opinion also raised concerns about the effectiveness of local police in responding to serious crimes and the rare conclusive conviction of criminal cases.
The advice also addresses safety issues related to water activities. It notes that commercial recreational boating activities, such as water tours, do not have consistent regulations.
There are issues with watercraft maintenance and some operators may not have the necessary safety certifications. Travelers are advised to closely monitor local weather and maritime warnings before participating in water activities. Operators have the freedom to operate their vessels despite weather forecasts, which has led to incidents including injuries, shark attacks, and fatalities. Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government personnel are not allowed to use independent jet ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.
