Janice R. Andrews
Because of increased violent crime, the US Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for anybody considering a trip to the Bahamas. The Grand Bahama, which includes Freeport, and New Providence, which includes Nassau, are particularly mentioned in the Friday-released advice.
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas released a security advisory last Wednesday, detailing the 18 killings that had occurred in Nassau since the start of 2024 and urging citizens to proceed with “increased caution.” The warning emphasises that these instances have happened on the streets in broad daylight as well as at all times of day.
The alert states that gang violence in retaliation in 2024 is the main reason for the killings. In “Over the Hill,” south of Shirley Street, where gang-related violence has resulted in an elevated homicide rate that mostly affects the local people, the State Department’s advisory emphasises “increased vigilance.”
The alert notes that violent crimes are common in both tourist and non-tourist regions, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults. It is advised that travellers exercise caution, particularly while lodging at short-term rental homes without private security.
Additionally, the warning forbids using commercial recreational watercraft for any kind of activity, including water tours. Citing poorly maintained boats and operators without safety certifications, the State Department voiced concerns about the uneven regulation of these operations. Employees of the United States government are not permitted to rent jet skis from independently run companies on the Paradise and New Providence islands due to safety concerns.
Additionally, given the recent reports of both deadly and non-fatal shark occurrences, travellers are advised to exercise caution when swimming. The recommendation functions as a thorough warning, advising people to put safety first and proceed with utmost caution when thinking about visiting the Bahamas under the present conditions.
