Official Statement from U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Dana Marie Jea

On May 17, an updated “Security Message” regarding the increase in armed robberies in Nassau was issued by the Embassy to United States citizens residing in and traveling to The Bahamas.  The text of this message was approved by the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C.

Security Message:  Increase in Armed Robberies in Nassau, The Bahamas

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens residing in and traveling to The Bahamas, to be aware of their surroundings and remain on heightened alert to avoid being a victim of crime.  On Sunday, May 12, shortly before 5:00 a.m., a U.S. citizen was fatally shot in Nassau during the course of an armed robbery on East Bay Street near the southbound bridge connecting Paradise Island with New Providence Island (Nassau).  This crime has brought the year’s murder count to 40.

Armed robbery remains a major threat facing U.S. citizens in The Bahamas.  Since the beginning of the year, a number of U.S. citizens have fallen victim to armed robbery with some having been seriously injured in the commission of these crimes.  The Royal Bahamas Police Force issued a message earlier this year citing concerns about the increased number of armed robberies in Nassau.  The Royal Bahamas Police Force website reports that for January 1–April 15 there have been 328 armed robberies, 111 robberies, and 660 house break-ins.

Review your 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.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Deputy to the Governor-General the Hon. Oswald Ingraham is pictured with Board members of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas during a courtesy call at Government House, May 15.

May is the month of cancer awareness and the society was established in 1976 and registered by an Act of Parliament.

Pictured from left: Dr. Williamson Chea, vice-chairperson of board; Lovern Wildgoose, president Cancer Society; Mr. Ingraham; Cindy Williams-Rahming, vice president Cancer Society and Wendell Barry, board member.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS -- Hon. Kenred Dorsett, Minister of the Environment and Housing, traveled to the British Virgin Islands this week to attend the Caribbean Challenge Initiative's (CCI) Summit of Caribbean Political and Business Leaders where he addressed delegates.

In his address Mr. Dorsett pointed out that the Bahamian people are “inextricably linked to our environment, our shallow blue seas and our way of life. The environment sustains our lives and livelihoods. The environment is the very foundation of our economic activity.” He said that the government's recognition of this truth is why The Bahamas supports CCI and worked assiduously to bring it into being.

Reinforcing the commitment of The Bahamas to realising the goals of the CCI, Minister Dorsett expressed that the government “remains committed to continue efforts to partner with all Caribbean governments, territories, the UN and CARICOM institutions as well as regional financial institutions, and the NGO community to realise the goals of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative.”

As proof of this national commitment, the minister announced that The Bahamas will sign the Leaders Declaration. Under this agreement, governments and key stakeholders commit themselves to working together to protect the shared marine environment. Additionally, The Bahamas government has begun executing its plans to bring the country closer to achieving its goal of protecting twenty percent of its marine environment by 2020.

Dorsett revealed that the government has “approved the finalisation of legislation related to the Bahamas Protected Area Fund (BPAF).” This piece of legislation he said will be brought to Parliament shortly to enable a sustainable financing mechanism to support the management of protected areas in The Bahamas. Funds will be set aside in fiscal year 2013-14 for the capitalisation of the fund according to Dorsett.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia -- St. Lucia will host representatives from 16 partner nations and the United States for the multinational exercise Tradewinds 2013, from May 20 until May 31, 2013.   U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, the executive agent of Tradewinds 2013 for U.S. Southern Command, will conduct the maritime training exercise in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and other facilitating agencies.

Tradewinds 2013 focuses on increasing regional cooperation in the effort to counter illicit trafficking and build participating nations’ capacity to plan and execute complex multinational security operations.  The training also provides an emphasis on reinforcing human rights awareness in the conduct of security operations.

Tradewinds 2013 will bring together more than 260 law enforcement officers, military personnel, and government representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.  Participants from the RBDF will include: Midshipman Darron Bethel, Petty Officer Glenward Colebrook, Petty Officer Kevin Fountain, Chief Petty Officer Gordon Roberts and Sub Lieutenant Edward Fritz.

The objective of the exercise is to strengthen existing regional partnerships and encourage the establishment of new relationships through the exchange of focused knowledge and expertise, while allowing each participating country an opportunity to improve capabilities in what it considers key security mission priorities. In preparation for Tradewinds 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter OAK will arrive at the port in Castries on May 19.  

NASSAU, Bahamas -- In observance of the Whit Monday Holiday, the United States Embassy will be closed on Monday, May 20, 2013. Please be advised that the Embassy will resume normal business operations on Tuesday, May 21 at 8:00 a.m.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the U.S. Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section via telephone: 242-322-1181.

General information on U.S. Consular services, including procedures for obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport or visa, is available on the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://nassau.usembassy.gov.