The Bahamas has seen a surge in crime not too long ago, though authorities underscore that it primarily impacts the area people.
The U.S. State Division’s journey advisory stays at degree 2 (Train Elevated Warning), however an replace on January 26 underscored the significance of exercising additional vigilance, significantly when visiting New Windfall and Grand Bahama islands.
In keeping with studies, two American cruise passengers have been drugged and sexually assaulted at a Grand Bahama resort on February 4. There may be an ongoing investigation by the FBI and native regulation enforcement, and two workers of the resort are being held as suspects.
LATEST NEWS from BAHAMAS:
February 22 – The U.S. journey advisory for the Bahamas doesn’t appear to fret native journey brokers
At Worcester’s Caribbean Journey Tour, Zuly Echandia doesn’t think the State Division’s alert to be extra cautious due to crime fairly matches up with what she’s been listening to.
She claims her shoppers inform her they take pleasure in visiting the Bahamas and imagine it to be a protected vacation spot.
She continues, stating that the journey advisory significantly addresses gang-on-gang violence within the Nassau area.
The Bahamas are ranked at degree 2, which locations them alongside international locations like Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Official Journey Advisories
U.S. Journey Advisory for the Bahamas
America State Division issued an “Exercise Increased Caution” warning for the Bahamas, citing various violent crimes like armed robberies, sexual assaults, and shark assaults.
Given the average crime fee, vacationers are urged to train additional warning when visiting Grand Bahama (Freeport) and Nassau’s “Over the Hill” neighborhood.
Canada Journey Advisory
The Canadian authorities is cautioning its residents to exercise a high degree of caution when touring within the Bahamas resulting from excessive charges of crime, particularly in Freeport and Nassau.
Authorities additionally state that probably the most frequent crimes in opposition to guests in Freeport and Nassau embrace armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud, and sexual assaults. Robberies can happen at cruise ports and in and round famend resort areas.
Areas to Keep away from within the Bahamas
Most crimes happen on the islands of Grand Bahama (Freeport) and New Windfall (Nassau). In Nassau, specific vigilance is suggested within the “Over the Hill” neighborhood (situated south of Shirley Road) resulting from incidents of gang-related violence, which predominantly affect native residents.
Vacationers are suggested to keep away from areas equivalent to Bain and Grants City, Centreville, and Englerston in New Windfall, as they’re recognized for increased charges of legal exercise.
Widespread Scams within the Bahamas
When in comparison with different Caribbean international locations, the Bahamas experiences comparatively fewer scams. Nonetheless, it’s vital to stay vigilant in opposition to the next fraudulent actions:
Taxi Overcharging: Some taxi drivers could take longer routes or quote increased fares than mandatory. To keep away from this, contemplate pre-booking taxis or utilizing ride-sharing providers like Uber.
Drink Pricing: Sure institutions could cost additional for drinks. At all times verify for tariffs or inquire about costs earlier than putting your order.
Hair Braiding Rip-off: Guests could also be misled into paying exorbitant costs for hair braiding providers. Regardless of agreeing on a value upfront, guests could discover themselves confronted with surprising price hikes, citing causes equivalent to time taken or hair size. To forestall this, guarantee to finalize the value earlier than commencing the service.
Fraudulent Excursions and Faux Tour Guides: Watch out for fraudulent tour gives the place locals promise distinctive excursions however find yourself charging inflated information charges. At all times confirm the credibility of tour operators and guides earlier than reserving.
Security Suggestions for the Bahamas
Security requirements within the Bahamas aren’t too excessive throughout nighttime hours. Regardless of the commonly pleasant and hospitable nature of the locals, safety points could come up, significantly in secluded or city areas. To make sure your security, adhere to the next pointers:
- Stay vigilant of your environment, even in usually protected areas.
- Train warning when approached by unfamiliar people.
- Keep away from visiting abandoned seashores or strolling alone, significantly after dusk.
- Chorus from utilizing medicine and consuming extreme quantities of alcohol.
- Don’t enterprise on foot outdoors of the primary vacationer areas and seashores, particularly when alone.
- Decide to remain in downtown Nassau, the place common police patrols are carried out.
- Keep away from unlit areas, and contemplate touring in teams after sundown.
- Train warning when utilizing native bus providers at night time, particularly outdoors of fundamental vacationer areas.
- Within the occasion of an assault, don’t resist and adjust to any calls for, as attackers could also be armed.
