Travelers Beware: High Crime Rates In THIS Tropical Paradise Trigger State Department Warning

In a Travel Advisory released on Friday, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs highlighted that the majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. The advisory specifically mentioned the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population.

To ensure their safety, the agency advised travelers in the Bahamas to exercise increased vigilance and take precautions such as not answering the door at their hotel unless they know who it is and not physically resisting any robbery attempt. The advisory also emphasized that violent crimes, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, can occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Travelers were urged to remain vigilant, especially when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies may not have a presence.

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This warning comes after the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a security alert earlier in the week, revealing that 18 murders have already taken place in Nassau, the country's capital, since the beginning of the year. The alert highlighted that these murders have occurred at all hours, including in broad daylight on the streets, with retaliatory gang violence being the primary motive.

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In a related development, Vice President Kamala Harris announced over $100 million in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Bahamas during her visit to the nation in the summer of 2023.

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The funding, according to USAID's press release, is intended to address climate, energy, food security, and humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean. During her visit, Vice President Harris co-hosted the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting with Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas, who is currently chairing the Caribbean Community. This meeting built on her previous engagement with Caribbean leaders at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June 2022.

Travelers planning a trip to the Bahamas should take these warnings seriously and exercise caution to ensure their safety while enjoying their time in the country.