NASSAU — The Bahamian Government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens travelling to the United States, in the wake of recent extrajudicial killings of Black men which have spurred increased unrest across America.

The advisory particularly warned young Bahamian males to exercise “extreme caution” in their interactions with American law enforcement officials, and to be non-confrontational in any such encounters.

The rare advisory comes after the deaths of African-Americans Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, both of whom were shot multiple times after being approached by law enforcement officials. 

The full text of the statement issued by the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is as follows:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has taken a note of the recent tensions in some American cities over shootings of young black males by police officers.

At the commencement of the Independence holiday weekend, many Bahamians will no doubt use the opportunity to travel, in particular to destinations in the United States.

We wish to advise all Bahamians travelling to the US but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally. In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate.

If there is any issue please allow consular offices for The Bahamas to deal with the issues. Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds.

The Bahamas has consular offices in New York, Washington, Miami and Atlanta and honorary consuls in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and Houston.

Pay attention to the public notices and news announcements in the city that you are visiting.

Be safe, enjoy the holiday weekend and be sensible.

The United States has routinely issued travel advisories for The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries. Its current threat advisory level for American citizens traveling to Nassau is listed as “critical”, due to crimes involving firearms.

The Bahamas issues travel advisory on the United States

Antillean Media Group

Working with Caribbean media partners, we go behind the news to deliver impartial, evidence-based reports on issues that impact residents, governments and investors in over 21 Caribbean territories.

PUBLISHED — July 8, 2016

Category: IdentitiesTravel
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