http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_989.html
And we are complaining about crime in Goa!
Incidently, three separate groups of tourists were robbed in Nassau, where
our Jose Colaco stays! ;-)
samir
CRIME: The Bahamas has a high crime rate. New
Providence Island in particular has experienced a spike in crime that
has adversely affected the traveling public. Pickpocketing and theft
remain the most common crimes perpetrated against tourists. However,
there has been a spate of more violent criminal activity in 2009. Three
separate groups of tourists were held at gunpoint and robbed at popular
tourist sites in and near Nassau; each of these incidents occurred
during daylight hours and involved groups of more than eight persons.
Several other groups of tourists allegedly were victims of armed
robbery at more remote locations.
The U.S. Embassy
has received reports of assaults, including sexual assaults, in diverse
areas such as in casinos, outside hotels, or on cruise ships. In
several incidents the victim had reportedly been drugged. The Bahamas
has the highest incidence of rape in the Caribbean according to a 2007
United Nations report on crime, violence, and development trends. Much
of the violent crime occurs outside of areas frequented by tourists,
such as the “over-the-hill” section of Nassau. Two American citizens
were murdered in Nassau in 2009, both allegedly in residential areas.
Home break-ins, theft, and robbery are not confined to any specific
part of the island.
The upsurge in
criminal activity has also led to incidents which, while not directed
at tourists, could place innocent bystanders at risk. An altercation at
a major resort resulted in the shooting of two security officers, while
several daytime robberies in Nassau led to exchanges of gunfire on busy
streets.
Criminal activity
in the outlying family islands does occur, but on a much lesser degree
than on New Providence Island. The Embassy has received reports of
burglaries and thefts, especially thefts of boats and/or outboard
motors on Abaco and Bimini.
The Embassy has not
received reports of harassment or hate crimes motivated by race,
religion, or citizenship. There have been reports of harassment of
persons based on sexual orientation. In addition, women have reported
incidents of verbal harassment and unwanted attention.
Counterfeit and
pirated goods are available in The Bahamas. Transactions involving such
products may be illegal under Bahamian law, even though those laws are
not routinely enforced. In addition, bringing such products into the
United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
Some organized
crime activity is believed to occur in The Bahamas, primarily related
to the illegal importation and smuggling of illicit drugs or human
trafficking. The Bahamas, due to its numerous uninhabited islands and
cays, has historically been favored by smugglers and pirates. Most
visitors to The Bahamas would not have noticeable interaction with
organized crime elements; however, persons who operate their own water
craft or air craft should be alert to the possibility of encountering
similar vessels operated by smugglers engaged in illicit activities on
the open seas or air space in or near The Bahamas.
Visitors are
advised to report crime to the Royal Bahamas Police Force as quickly as
possible. Early reports frequently improve the likelihood of
identifying and apprehending suspected perpetrators In general, the
Royal Bahamian Police Force is responsive to reports of crime and takes
the threat of crime against tourists very seriously. However, the
police response is sometimes slowed by a lack of resources or by the
physical constraints imposed by geography and infrastructure.
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