The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

AMERICAN officials have declared that the St Albans Drive nightspot, Sand Trap, is “off limits” for its employees and their families, citing the shooting death of a woman there last week and an “ongoing association with known criminal elements”.

Part of a series of security messages released yesterday, the United States Embassy “strongly” recommended US citizens to avoid “frequenting this establishment”.

Another advisory warned American citizens to avoid tomorrow’s ‘We March Black Friday’ civic demonstration.

The Embassy also issued a warning reminding its citizens in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos of the annual increase in crime during the holiday season.

For the Sand Trap, the statement described the establishment as the “launching point” for jet ski operators, a group the Embassy has repeatedly taken issue with in recent years. It claims that operators are “minimally regulated by government and also associated with criminal activity such as assault”.

A woman was killed and two people, a woman and a man, were hospitalised following a drive by shooting at the Sand Trap off West Bay Street around 8pm on November 14.

The shooting took the country’s murder count to 90 for the year.

Speaking to crime trends, the United States Embassy reminded US citizens in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos of the annual scourge in crime in these countries around the holiday season.

“This notice is intended to provide security information to help ensure a safe holiday season,” the statement said.

It continued: “Vigilance plays a key role in the early detection of danger. If you observe anything you perceive as suspicious or dangerous the best option is to move away immediately and call the police at 911 or 919 in the Bahamas, and 911 or 999 in Turks and Caicos.”

The Embassy said that perpetrators of residential crimes typically conduct “pre-attack surveillance”, insisting that the trend underscores the need for an increased awareness of common activities which can directly impact personal security.

Embassy officials warned its residents to think prudently about after dark travel, stressing that they avoid unlit areas where persons could hide and ambush unsuspecting persons, listing the Arawak Cay area as such a spot.

US residents were also urged to keep wallets and purses close to their bodies while shopping or at restaurants around the Bahamas. The statement read: “Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, use an ATM/credit card when possible and check your credit card statements regularly for potential fraud or unauthorised charges. “

It continued: “Avoid using ATM machines located in isolated areas and consider using ATM machines located in locations that have security coverage. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when making withdrawals.”

“Keep your car doors locked and your windows rolled up, as you drive. Keep valuables out of sight when parked (including cell phones, laptops, cash, GPS, or other valuables). Utilise a car alarm or steering wheel locking device.”

“Do not display or wear expensive jewellery that may make you a target for criminals.”

“In crawling traffic or in a stopped line of cars, leave at least a half a car length between your vehicle and the car in front of you. If you believe you are being followed, drive immediately to a safe location such as a police station, a gas station, or a hotel. If travelling in an unfamiliar area use a GPS or map app on your cell phone to know where you are when driving.”

Embassy officials also recommended to its residents, that if confronted by armed criminals, that they should value their lives over any vehicle or valuable.

“Remember your vehicle or valuables are not worth your life or anyone else’s life. Try to remain calm, clearly display your hands and do not make any sudden moves that could be interpreted as resistance,” the warning added.