- Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas, spoke at an event in Florida and said he had elevated the Bahamas to fraternity status.
- The announcement came a day after the U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued security and advisories to tourists over rising levels of gang violence and murders.
- The country reported 18 murders in January alone, with retaliatory gang violence being the main motive.
The Bahamian Islands' deputy prime minister hailed 2023 as a “great year for tourism” after the US embassy advised Americans visiting the country to be careful.
Chester Cooper spoke at an event hosted by the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapter in Tallahassee, Florida, promoting the Bahamas to fraternity status.
“2023 was a landmark year in tourism, bringing in an unprecedented 8 million visitors,” he proudly said on Thursday.
The announcement came a day after the U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued security and advisories to tourists over rising levels of gang violence and murders.
The country reported 18 murders in January alone, with retaliatory gang violence being the main motive.
He spoke at an event hosted by the Alpha Chapter Florida Federation in Tallahassee, Florida, promoting the Bahamas to fraternity status.
Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper hailed 2023 as a “great year for tourism” after the US embassy advised Americans visiting the country to be careful.
Vice Chancellor Cooper addressed the fraternity at the Florida Capitol Museum.
He promotes the Bahamas as a destination for business meetings and conferences, which he said accounts for 40 percent of all tourism to the country.
Compared to pre-pandemic levels, this type of tourism has increased by 25% and aims to become a leading destination in the Caribbean region.
However, the U.S. Embassy has issued a warning to American travelers about the risks of visiting the Bahamas.
Since the beginning of 2024, a sharp increase in violent crimes such as robbery, armed robbery, and sexual assault has been recorded in both tourist and non-tourist destinations.
Americans are advised to use extreme caution and remain vigilant when staying in short-term vacation rental properties.
“Killings occur at all hours of the day, including on the streets in broad daylight,” the embassy said in a statement.
However, the U.S. Embassy has issued a warning to American travelers about the risks of visiting the Bahamas.
Authorities are also asking tourists not to physically resist robbery attempts and not to answer unknown people at the doorsteps of hotels or residences.
The State Department has placed the Bahamas on a “high alert” alert list and asked people to refrain from water tours and sports.
“Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are consistently unregulated.
“Watercraft may be poorly maintained and some operators may not have safety certifications. Always check local weather and marine warnings before participating in any water activity. be careful.
“No matter your age or swimming skill level, never swim alone. Stay within your own physical strength and swimming ability.
A sharp increase in violent crimes, including robbery, armed robbery, and sexual assault, has been recorded in both tourist and non-tourist destinations since early 2024.
“Please be aware of sharks when swimming or playing in the water as there have been recent fatal and non-fatal incidents involving sharks.”
Commenting on the advice, First Minister Philip Brave Davis said: “We will not infringe on anyone's civil liberties, but you may be subject to further road closures and unannounced police action.”
“While it may cause you to be late to an appointment or delay a planned project, it means our streets will be safer and our lives will be less compromised by murder and other violent crimes.” That's a small price to pay for the collective good of fewer people.”
Local news reports say Davis has already introduced his criminal plan to the public this month in response to a spike in murder rates.
