A “security alert” was issued on January 24 by the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, suggesting travelers to “exercise extreme caution” when in Nassau. The reason? The city recorded 18 murders in less than a month.
The alert states that the murders occurred “at any time, including broad daylight on the streets,” mainly due to “gang retaliation violence.”
The Embassy identified areas in Nassau where gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate “affecting mainly the local population.” It also emphasized that “violent crimes, such as robberies, armed assaults, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas,” including short-term vacation rental properties without private security.
However, it is worth noting that travel alerts for the Bahamas are not new. In October 2005, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau warned of an increase in armed robberies in the country. From 2020 to 2022, the country received several Level 3 (“reconsider travel”) and Level 4 (“do not travel”) statuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the State Department classifies the country at Level 2, meaning travelers are encouraged to “exercise increased caution.”
The Bahamian government claims that the nation remains safe for tourists from the United States.
“The Government of the Bahamas is alert, attentive, and proactive to ensure that the Bahamas continues to be a safe and welcoming destination,” insists Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Office in a statement.
Davis’s statement further says that the government is implementing a “robust and innovative crime prevention strategy, involving “strict measures to maintain our well-deserved reputation.”
And Jamaica?
You might want to reconsider your visit to Jamaica at this time.
This is the alert from the State Department, signaling crime and health issues in the popular Caribbean destination.
In a statement issued last week, the State Department states: “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
In case of emergency, the State Department warns that “high-level or specialized” healthcare may not be available throughout the country, and patients may be required to pay upfront for medical care.
U.S. government officials are prohibited from traveling to certain areas due to the risk of crime. These areas include, but are not limited to, all of Montego Bay, downtown Kingston, parts of St. Ann parish near Ocho Rios, and some neighborhoods in Negril.
Travelers who decide to visit Jamaica are advised to stay very aware of their surroundings, remain discreet, avoid public transportation, and walk or drive at night, as well as avoid isolated situations and resist attempts at robbery.
Americans are also encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free “Smart Traveler” program and prepare contingency plans for emergencies.
Additionally, the statement adds: “We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance, including medical insurance, before traveling to Jamaica.”
Source: USA News and Sun-Sentinel