[ad_1]
The newest headlines from our reporters throughout the US despatched straight to your inbox every weekday
Your briefing on the newest headlines from throughout the US
Americans are being warned about journey to the Bahamas amid an uptick in violent crime.
In a journey advisory issued Friday, the State Department urged travellers to “exercise increased caution.”
Most of the crime has occurred on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, the place Nassau and Freeport are respectively situated. In Nassau’s Over-The-Hill neighbourhood, “gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population,” the advisory states.
According to the US Embassy in the Bahamas, there have been 18 murders in Nassau to this point this 12 months, primarily due to “retaliatory gang violence.”
“Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets,” the embassy mentioned.
There have additionally been burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults “in both tourist and non-tourist areas,” the State Department mentioned.
“Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence,” the journey advisory said.
The State Department additionally warned travellers in opposition to “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft,” noting that they’re “not consistently regulated.” Commercial watercraft operators are permitted to “operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts,” and accidents and deaths have occurred, the division mentioned.
“Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications,” they mentioned. “Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities.”
The division additionally warned travellers not to swim alone, to be aware of sharks, and to pay attention to climate and water situations.
[ad_2]
Source hyperlink