- The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has issued a security alert and advisory
- It warned American tourists of increasing gang violence and murders
- In January alone, up to 18 murders were reported in the island nation
The US Embassy in the Bahamas has urged caution for Americans visiting the country – after nearly 20 people were killed in a month alone.
The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has issued a security alert and a warning to tourists about rising rates of gang violence and homicides.
Since the beginning of 2024, there has been an increase in violent crime in tourist and non-tourist areas, including burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults.
According to official figures, 18 murders were reported in the country in January alone, with gang retaliation being the main motive.
Americans have been advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant when staying in short-term vacation rentals.
“Murders took place around the clock, including on the streets in broad daylight,” the embassy wrote in a press release.
According to officials, Antonio Venus, of Greaves Street, Monte Grant, was murdered in Tunapuna on January 13, among 18 murders reported in just one month
Americans have been advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant when staying in short-term vacation rentals
The officials also asked tourists not to physically resist any robbery attempt and not to open the front door of a hotel/residence to unknown persons.
The State Department has placed the Bahamas on the “Increased Caution During Physical Activity” alert list and even urged people to stay away from water tours and sports.
“Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not uniformly regulated.
“Watercraft may be poorly maintained and some operators may not have safety certifications. Always check and heed local weather and marine warnings before engaging in water activities.
“Never swim alone, regardless of your age or swimming ability.” Stay within your fitness and swimming abilities.
“Be aware of sharks when swimming and engaging in water activities as there have been recent fatal and non-fatal shark incidents.”
The State Department has placed the Bahamas on the “Increased Caution During Physical Activity” alert list and even urged people to stay away from water tours and sports
The US Embassy in Nassau has issued a security warning and advisory for tourists about rising rates of gang violence and homicides (pictured).
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis commented on the note: “We will not violate anyone's civil liberties, but you will likely be subject to further roadblocks and unannounced police operations.”
“It may cause you to be late for your appointments or delay plans you have, but that is a small price to pay for the collective benefit of making our streets safer and our lives less disrupted by murder and other violent crime .”
According to local news, Davis has already presented a crime plan to the public in response to this month's sharp rise in murder rates.
Last week, video footage emerged of the moment a 30-year-old man was shot dead in the middle of the street in the middle of the day.
The officials also asked tourists not to physically resist any robbery attempt and not to open the front door of a hotel/residence to unknown persons
Officers say Antonio Venus, of Greaves Street, Monte Grant, was murdered in Tunapuna on January 13.
The video shows a black Toyota AE100 driven by Venus hitting the door of a white car and falling into a drain.
When the accident occurred, three men with guns in their hands quickly got out of the white car and ran towards Venus.
The trio quickly shot at the car and ran back to their own car before driving off.
Police discovered Venus in the driver's seat, bleeding from gunshot wounds to her upper body. He later died of his injuries in a hospital.
Officials have not identified any suspects.