The Tribune

By TANEKA THOMPSON

Tribune News Editor

tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

THE United States’ Embassy in Nassau released another crime warning for American citizens living or travelling to this country in the wake of two violent incidents in New Providence at areas frequented by visitors.

The embassy’s warning said, as reported in the US State Department’s Country Specific Information for the Bahamas, the crime threat on New Providence is listed as “critical” while armed robbery remains a major criminal threat facing US citizens in this country.

“This past weekend, two violent incidents occurred in areas heavily frequented by US citizen visitors and residents,” the warning, which was released yesterday, said. “On Sunday night, March 22, a man was stabbed and killed on the main sidewalk of Arawak Cay, in an area known as the ‘Fish Fry.’ In the early morning hours of March 23, a man was at his business establishment at Compass Point when an unidentified man shot, critically wounded and robbed him before fleeing on foot.

“In light of these events, US citizens residing in or travelling to the Bahamas should review their personal security plans. Remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”

The warning urged Americans in Nassau to contact the embassy and local police if they become a victim of crime.

The statement also advised US citizens to monitor the US State Department’s website where current travel warnings are posted.

Last November, the US expressed concern over home invasions and a recent spike in reported sexual assaults, some of which were linked to the loosely regulated water sports industry on Paradise Island.

One American woman was allegedly the victim of a kidnapping and violent sexual assault last October, the warning said.

It cautioned Americans to be on heightened alert to avoid being victims of crime.

Although the 2014 warning noted that US citizens are not targeted directly, the alert said there had been an increase in the level of crime in areas where US citizens live and frequent.