The advisory, like those issued in the pass, recommends that students travel in groups and take note and be extremely aware of their surroundings at all times, U.S. Charge d’ Affaires Robert Witajewski, told the Guardian on Thursday.
“The reason we will be doing a travel advisory as we have done in the past is because there thousands of young Americans come to The Bahamas in the spring and we simply want to provide them with some guidance and some prudent good sense,” Mr Witajewski explained.
He said although the police make a “special effort” to increase patrols and expand surveillance, exercising caution and good judgment will help to ensure that their stay in The Bahamas is as pleasant and a safe one.
Mr Witajewski said the advisory cautions students against walk alone after dark or in isolated areas, and should avoid being alone with a group of strangers. Be particularly cautious on secluded beaches. And when traveling, use only clearly marked busses or taxis,” the advisory cautioned.
“Be careful when you come out of nightclubs and discos at night. We have a crime problem here as your newspaper reports,” he said.
Mr Witajewski said the advisory also seeks to remind the students of the laws in The Bahamas against drinking and illegal drug consumption are very strict. And, just like it is not legal in the U.S., it is not legal here.
A previous advisory by the United States Department of State pointed out that alcohol plays a large role in the majority of arrests, accidents, and violent crimes suffered by U.S. citizens.
“Visitors found alone or incapacitated have been victims of rape, robbery and assault. Intoxicated young women have been sexually assaulted after reportedly being drugged. Know your drinking companions and stay in a group with friends when in clubs bars, out walking in deserted areas, or in a taxi at night,” the advisory stated.
Furthermore, the advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, pointed out that possessing and the use of drugs carry stiff penalties in The Bahamas, including heavy fines or can result in imprisonment. The advisory states that United States citizens visiting The Bahamas are subject to its laws and drug violators can and will be arrested, no matter how small the amount. The advisory warned that all persons 16 years or older are tried as adults.
The statement cautioned American citizens to stay away from drug peddlers, and advised against accepting packages from people during their stay, as a criminal record for drugs can mean the end to a number of career opportunities.
“A number of Americans have been killed or very seriously injured in jet ski and scooter accidents. Unlicensed scooter and jet ski rental services have been linked to assaults. Inspect the equipment carefully and avoid old or rundown machines. Ask to see a copy of the operator’s business license, inquire about their medical and liability insurance coverage in the event of accident or injury. Remember also that street traffic in The Bahamas travels on the left side of the road and can be difficult to navigate,” the advisory said.
It noted that arrests or accidents in The Bahamas could result in difficult and expensive legal or medical situations. The advisory said that medical evacuations could easily cost in excess of $15,000.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programmes is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. “If you find yourself in trouble, immediately contact the U.S. Embassy. Embassy officials can visit you in prison, provide information about the Bahamian legal system, and furnish a list of Bahamian attorneys or doctors, among other assistance. The Embassy can not arrange for your release or pay medical or other bills,” the U.S. Department of State said.
Just last week, the British Government issued a warning advising British travelers about coming to The Bahamas.
The British warning said The Bahamas is not a safe place and prone to violence. It came a week after a British citizen living in The Bahamas, Stephanie Stirrup, was brutally attacked and thrown from a jitney. The internet warning tells Brits about violent crimes that occur here.
It also tells them that they are targets, and should be aware of water sports that are poorly regulated.
