Bahamas deputy prime minister calls 2023 ‘a banner year for tourism’ only ONE day after US Embassy issues urgent travel warning over soaring violent crime – as January murder toll jumps AGAIN to 18
The Bahamas’ deputy prime minister has hailed 2023 as a “boom year for tourism” after the US embassy advised Americans visiting the country to exercise caution.
Chester Cooper spoke at an event in Tallahassee, Florida, hosted by the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters, promoting the Bahamas to the fraternity group.
“The year 2023 was a bumper year in tourism that brought us an unprecedented 8 million visitor numbers,” he proudly declared on Thursday.
It came just a day after the US Embassy in Nassau issued a safety and advisory warning to tourists about rising levels of gang violence and killings.
In January alone, 18 murders were reported in the country, with retaliatory gang violence the main motive.
Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper has hailed 2023 as a “boom year for tourism” after the US embassy advised Americans visiting the country to exercise caution.
He spoke at an event in Tallahassee, Florida, hosted by the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters, in which he promoted the Bahamas to the fraternity group
It came just a day after the US Embassy in Nassau issued a safety and advisory warning to tourists about rising levels of gang violence and killings.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper addressed the fraternity group at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum.
He promoted the Bahamas as a destination for business meetings and conferences, which he said makes up 40 percent of all tourism to the country.
The country experienced a 25 percent increase in this type of tourism compared to pre-pandemic levels and is aiming to become the leading destination in the Caribbean.
But the U.S. Embassy warned American travelers about the risks of visiting the Bahamas.
Since the beginning of 2024, both tourist and non-tourist areas have recorded a spike in violent crimes, including burglaries, armed robberies and sexual violence.
Americans have been advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant when staying in short-term vacation rentals.
“Murders have taken place at all hours, including in broad daylight on the streets,” the embassy wrote in a press release.
Officials have also asked tourists not to physically resist a robbery attempt and not to open the front door of any hotel/residence to unknown people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has placed the Bahamas on the ‘More Caution’ warning list and has even asked people to avoid water trips and sports activities.
“Activities involving commercial recreational craft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated.
“Personal watercraft may be poorly maintained and some operators may not have safety certifications. Always check and follow local weather and maritime warnings before engaging in water activities.
‘Never swim alone, regardless of your age or swimming skill level. Stay within your fitness and swimming capabilities.
‘Please be aware of sharks when swimming and participating in water activities as there have been recent fatal and non-fatal incidents involving sharks.’
Cooper promoted the Bahamas as a destination for business meetings and conferences, which he said makes up 40 percent of all tourism to the country
But the U.S. Embassy warned American travelers about the risks of visiting the Bahamas
Since the beginning of 2024, a spike in violent crimes, including burglaries, armed robberies and sexual violence, has been recorded in both tourist and non-tourist areas
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.
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis responded to the advice: ‘We will not violate anyone’s civil liberties, but you are likely to experience more roadblocks and unannounced police action.
‘This may cause you to be late for your appointments or postpone your plans, but this is a small price to pay for the collective benefit of making our streets safer and our lives less destroyed by murder and other violent crimes. crimes.’
According to local news, Davis has already proposed a crime plan to the public in response to the rising number of murders this month.
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.
According to officials, Antonio Venus of Greaves Street, Monte Grant was murdered in Tunapuna on January 13.
Video shows a black Toyota AE100 crashed, driven by Venus, slamming into the door of a white car and falling into a drain.
As the crash occurred, three men quickly got out of the white car with weapons in hand and ran towards Venus.
The trio quickly shot at the car and ran back to their own car before driving away.
Police discovered Venus in the driver’s seat, bleeding from gunshot wounds to his torso. He later died of injuries in a hospital.
Officials have not identified any suspects.
‘This may cause you to be late for your appointments or postpone your plans, but this is a small price to pay for the collective benefit of making our streets safer and our lives less destroyed by murder and other violent crimes. crimes.’
According to local news, Davis has already proposed a crime plan to the public in response to the rising number of murders this month.
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.