Think twice about a tropical vacation to the Caribbean this winter.
The US embassy in the Bahamas has issued a security warning and travel advisory that the island nation is now unsafe for tourists amid 18 murders – “mainly” motivated by gang violence – in January alone.
Security concerns have reached such a level that US officials say people should not try to “physically resist” being robbed.
“Killings have occurred at all times including in broad daylight on the streets,” the embassy wrote in a statement, also recommending the use of “extreme caution” east of the Bahamas capital, Nassau.
The embassy also said that Americans should be careful at night and always “keep a low profile”.
The US State Department, which on Friday placed the Bahamas on “heightened vigilance” warning, noted that dangers persist in tourist and non-tourist areas.
US officials warn that increased gang violence in the Bahamas poses a risk to tourists. yujie – stock.adobe.com
Premier Philip Brave Davis addressed the terrifying violence last week, saying that there would be roadblocks and undercover police action to contain the crisis, according to the Nassau Guardian.
“This may make you late for your appointment, or delay the plans you had, but this is a small price to pay for the collective benefit of making our roads safer, and our lives less affected by homicides and other violent crimes,” he said.
There are also concerns over unregulated recreational boating activity, which the state department says may not be properly regulated or maintained for safety, and improper judgment has been used in the past by boaters.
“Commercial watercraft operators have the discretion to operate their vessels regardless of the weather forecast; injuries and deaths have occurred.”
US officials are advising Americans to reconsider travel to the Bahamas at this time. cicols – stock.adobe.com
Earlier this week, the State Department also put Jamaica near level three out of four “reconsider travel” advisories – the only higher threat being a “do not travel” warning.
“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and murders, are common,” the department warned.
“Sexual assaults are common, including at all-inclusive resorts.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
