tonight two of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean now clouded by a stark warning from the US government Amid aise and violent crime the state department bumping up the advisory level from 2 to three in Jamaica urging Americans to reconsider travel there and updating a level two advisory in the Bahamas telling tourists to exercise Extreme Caution those security alerts are response to reports of violent crime on the islands 65 murders in Jamaica and 18 murders in the Bahamas reported
since January 1st of 2024 the US Embassy in Jamaica warning of home invasions armed robberies sexual assaults and homicides detailing that sexual assaults occur frequently even at the all-inclusive resorts and that local police do not respond effectively to Serious incidents in light of these startling numbers the Island's police force increasing patrols and adding officers we exceed 1,200 uh police officers joining the force per year which of course now means that we are we are actually growin
g the force Jamaica's national police pointing out the number of homicides have actually dropped by nearly 20% compared to January of last year and the US Embassy in the Bahamas alerting visitors that murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight in the streets pointing to retaliatory gang violence as the primary motive the persistent cycle of violence and crime as being a dark cloud over our nation but the Bahamas foreign minister still encouraging travelers to visit saying in
part while we acknowledge that states have a right to inform their citizens traveling abroad about potential risks we do not believe that there is any elevated or increased security risk to tourists traveling to the Bahamas is there any practical advice you can give to tourists that are still planning to go to these locations the main thing that we always talk about is is to maintain situational awareness folks are buried in their phone they're not paying attention to their surroundings they are
posing for their pictures that they post on Instagram and social media and that makes them an easy target Sheree McAlpine a San Francisco resident who has been traveling to the Bahamas with her family for years is heeding the increased warnings because I spent so much time in the Bahamas the moment the alert came out friends and family start to ping my Emil and my text messages with uh notice that the alert had had come out and asking me what my plans were with regards to the Bahamas but still
plans to visit the Bahamas in the coming weeks I will absolutely be more Vigilant I will be more precautious about the places that I'll go I'll go to wellit areas I won't go to places alone and I will probably limit my time in Nassau and spend more time in the OU outer islands and it's important to keep in mind when it comes to the Bahamas that a level two advisory is the same that the Department of State has given to places like France the United Kingdom and Italy all destinations frequently vi
sited by Americans who of course take the necessary precautions thanks for watching stay updated about breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or follow us on social media
Comments
We just spent the weekend at Paradise Island. It was fabulous and we walked everywhere. Spent some time with the enterprising locals at Cabbage beach. Don't listen to the scared people who like to be scared and scared others. Live life and be wise.
U.S. citizen living here in Jamaica-It’s safe for visitors. It’s the locals that are suffering from all this crime.
Travel warnings needs to be issued to the US
Tourists aren't usually the ones in danger unless they do something really silly. Mr Anderson don't tell half truths. If you add 1,200 officers and half of the seasoned officers leave, is that really an increase?
When will our islands issue ADVISORY for the US against nasty politics, racism and school shooting
Tourists and even locals in both countries are safe. Anybody associated with crime in ANY way is at risk because crime in the Caribbean isn’t random like it is in America. It’s mostly contained within specific areas and gang related. I feel safer in Jamaica than I do in Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and any rural American town (yes sundown towns are still very common).
Imagine issuing a warning for 18 murders on 1 island when theres 699 more islands to choose from in the bahamas
Travel Warnings should be issued for Washington DC
❤ I love traveling to the islands and I feel safe when I'm there
I visited Jamaica last July and this January. I never felt unsafe while there. I feel more unsafe in the U.S.
Jamaica is VERY safe for tourists, millions visit every year with the VAST majority enjoying a safe stay.
For sure these places are safer than Chicago among many others here.
I will still go to Jamaica.. it’s not safe in the USA 🇺🇸.. well USA is level 4
I live in the Bahamas and these crimes are revenge crimes for families who don't get justice from the police...they don't target tourist. The Bahamas love visitors and have the utmost respect for them ❤
The warning should include CHICAGO, GEORGIA, PHILADELPHIA
July 2023, I went on a solo trip to Montego Bay and stayed at the RIU. The male staff harassed me the ENTIRE time. It was BAD. They had no shame with the open comments or googley eyes. I dared not to even wear a bathing suit b/c I knew the consequences. After 3 days, I switched to a bed and breakfast ran by female staff and it was a COMPLETELY different experience. I filed a complaint to RIU Montego Bay and it went nowhere. ThIs level of misogyny IS NOT like that in the US. AINT NO WAY!!!! Turning off comments--too many ignorant folks.
We need some good police here in Jamaica 🇯🇲 we see nothing wrong with people coming here in Jamaica from any other country😊😊
I will still visit Jamaica! It’s my second home.
Tourists are very safe in Jamaica. The locals are an endangered specie
No travel warnings for Washington DC, Baltimore, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Miami?