The paradise for US tourists overrun by bloody gang crime and a sky-high homicide rate

Voted one of the most popular destinations for American tourists in 2021, The Bahamas has been a haven for anyone seeking to take a break from their busy lives for decades.
With its sandy beaches and balmy sunshine, the islands attracted over eight million visitors last year alone – and it’s not only solo travelers and families it has been attracting.
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper last month said the island country had experienced a 25 percent increase in business and conference tourism compared to before the pandemic.
But despite Cooper’s optimism, a spike in crime and gang-on-gang violence could prompt American tourists to pick alternative destinations for their breaks.
The US State Department last month issued a Level 2 travel advisory, urging would-be vacationers to “exercise increased caution” in the area because of high crime rates.
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The advisory noted the capital of Nassau on New Providence island and Freeport on Grand Bahama are the main areas of concern.
The US State Department said: “In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the ‘Over the Hill’ area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population.
“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
“Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.”
Since the start of the year, 18 people have died in connection with a violent crime.
And earlier this month two Kentucky moms on a four-day cruise were allegedly “drugged and raped” while their ship was docked in Freeport.
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The State Department advised American tourists to avoid escalation by not “physically resisting any robbery attempt.”
Tourists have also been urged to avoid answering the door at their hotel or rented accommodation unless they know who is knocking.
According to the safety and cost of living database Numbeo, Nassau – which homes over 70 percent of the population of the country – has the highest crime rate.
Police say the most commonly reported crimes are theft and stealing from vehicles.
The website Travel Safe classifies the overall risk to travelers in Freeport as medium.
The Grand Bahama town is a lively tourist hub thanks to its very active port, which welcomes dozens of cruise ships every day.
Visitors are advised to exercise caution and ensure they avoid leaving their belongings unattended and keep their cars locked. 
Despite the State Department’s warning, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said the island country had increased police presence to reduce the crime rate.
Davis said: “We will not violate anyone’s civil liberties, but you are likely to be impacted by more roadblocks and unannounced police action.
“This may make you late for your appointments, or delay plans you have, but this is a small price to pay for the collective benefit of having our streets.”
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