The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

RANDY Rolle, Bahamas Consul General for Atlanta, has urged Bahamian students and visitors in Ferguson, Missouri not to participate in protests or riots and to adhere to the warnings and curfews in place by the Ferguson Police Department.

The Consul General’s Office in Atlanta has jurisdiction over the state of Missouri.

In a press release, Mr Rolle said his staff has been put on alert to prioritise calls from Ferguson, Missouri following the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.

The teen was shot by a policeman last week. As a result of the shooting, the international press has described the city as a “war zone” with locals protesting, others looting and policemen in military garb trying to maintain control.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon on Saturday also declared a state of emergency and implemented a midnight to 5am curfew.

“We encourage Bahamians in the area to please remain away from being a part of the protests and especially getting involved with the riots and looting,” Mr Rolle said.

“If you or anyone you know is encouraging you to join them in criminal activities, you will find yourself in a serious situation with authorities.

“Adhere to the warnings, curfews and cooperate if you are required to do so. Our office is the one that will be contacted if Bahamians get in problems in the state of Missouri and we do not want that to happen.

“There are also those who wish to participate in peaceful protests at school or in public. Please know the risks involved before deciding to go out there. The police chief has made the statement to media that if you get tear-gassed it’s your fault. I am advising Bahamian students especially, to please consider staying on your campuses.”

Mr Rolle also reminded Bahamian students to focus on their education rather than what may be happening in the state at the moment.

He said: “It is a known fact that the majority of the Bahamas is of African heritage and, according to the US media, there are a lot of people who consider what is going on in Ferguson to be racially motivated. I am not going to address that issue, but I will remind Bahamian students in particular that the United States is much more diverse and their lifestyle and culture is not quite the one we grew up with where people connect you by family names or which island you are from.

“Bahamian students are to remember they are visitors who are in this country to focus on obtaining higher education. The photos and videos being shared alone are reasons to avoid the area. This is a dangerous situation and for their safety, I encourage them to stay put.”

Mr Rolle said that his office will continue to monitor the situation closely. He further encouraged Bahamians in the area or their family members to register with the Consul General’s Office of Atlanta in the event of emergencies.

For contact information and forms, visit www.bahconga.com.

• Tear gas used as curfew enforced in Ferguson, see today’s second news section.