The government of the Bahamas this week reassured tourists that the island nation remains a safe destination to visit, despite a warning from the US embassy about increasing gang violence in the paradise getaway.According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said in a statement on Tuesday that the government is alert, attentive, and proactive in keeping the Bahamas welcoming for travellers.His statement followed a serious security alert and travel advisory issued by the US embassy on 24 January, after 18 mostly gang-related homicides occurred in the Bahamas in January.Davis reportedly said in his statement, The rating of the Bahamas has not changed we remain a Level 2 alongside most tourism destinations.He added, The incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a country of sixteen (16) tourism destinations, and many more islands.US embassy issues travel cautionThe South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the Bahamas has been at Level 2 since 2022, first receiving the designation in 2018.The US embassys warning advised travellers to exercise extreme caution in eastern Nassau, the Bahamian capital city. It also recommended Americans keep a low profile at all times and be especially careful at night.Davis said the government is developing a robust and innovative crime prevention strategy involving more police and a zero-tolerance policy on firearm possession, the Sun-Sentinel reported.Last week, the Royal Bahamas Police Force announced it had seized nine firearms and 1,500 rounds of ammunition.Despite the surge in crime, the Bahamas attracted over eight million tourists last year, making it more popular than ever, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper at an event in Florida.Cooper said, The year 2023 was a banner year in tourism.
