The US Embassy issued a fact sheet on Spring Break in The Bahamas on February 26th, warning American students of increasing crime and drug traffickers.
The fact sheet issued by the US Department of State described Nassau as a “growing city with increasing crime” and warned that visitors have been targeted for rape, robbery and assault.
It is estimated that over 200,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to The Bahamas during the Spring Break period each year. “While the vast majority of students travel to The Bahamas without incident, a small number of travellors are not so fortunate,” the fact sheet states. “Crime and violence have increasingly moved into more upscale tourist and residential areas.”
US Ambassador Richard J. Blankenship says that he is obligated to protect US citizens in The Bahamas. The fact sheet has come about as the result of the US Embassy’s continued observation of crime in The Bahamas, said the Ambassador, citing, kidnapping, rape, murder, armed robbery and physical assault as examples.
“These are all types of crimes that spring breakers might subject themselves to if they are unaware of the dangers,” said Mr. Blankenship.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell, dismissed the fact sheet as “unnecessary”. He pointed out that the fact sheet was, “less than an advisory”.
The US Embassy had considered releasing a travel advisory but after a meeting with police and tourism officials, in which local security measures were outlined, it was decided that the advisory was not necessary.
Mr. Mitchell admitted that the government is not happy with the release of this fact sheet.
Read the Fact Sheet.
