The U.S. State Department has stated that individuals planning to travel to the Bahamas should exercise “increased caution,” as there have been 18 recorded murders in the nation’s capital this year. The warning comes after the U.S. Embassy in Nassau raised concerns about potential gang violence affecting American visitors.”The murders have occurred at various times, including during daylight hours on the streets,” the embassy’s alert stated. “Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive behind the 2024 murders.”U.S. travelers have been advised to exercise heightened vigilance in Nassau, use caution when venturing out at night anywhere in the Bahamas, maintain a low profile, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid resistance if confronted by robbers, and review their security plans.The State Department also highlighted the additional security concerns associated with short-term vacation rentals, which often lack the level of private security available at hotels. It emphasized that gang-related crime in Nassau is not limited to areas frequented by tourists, as violent incidents such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.Additionally, the State Department cautioned about the inconsistent regulation of recreational watercraft rentals, tours, and trips, which poses an added layer of risk. Travelers were urged to assess and adhere to local weather and marine alerts prior to engaging in water-based activities.The department also advised against swimming alone in the Bahamas due to recent shark attacks.While responding to the embassy’s alert, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis mentioned that he believes the warning is unlikely to significantly impact the number of American tourists visiting the Bahamas. He acknowledged the United States’ right to issue such alerts, noting that the Bahamas also issues similar warnings. Moreover, the U.S. warnings coincided with Davis’s efforts to address crime, including proposed modifications to the bail parameters protected by the constitution.The Bahamas commissioner of police and a spokesperson for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism did not immediately provide comments in response to the advisory.On a separate note, the U.S. State Department elevated its advisory level for travel to Jamaica to Level 3, advising Americans to reconsider visiting the country due to concerns about violent crime and inconsistent access to emergency medical services.
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