Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell

THE U.S. Embassy released a security message on Tuesday morning urging its citizens and U.S. visitors in Nassau and Paradise Island to exercise heightened personal security awareness, pointing out that armed robberies and violent crime remain primary criminal threats.

The advisory comes days after the Bahamas government issued its own travel advisory warning Bahamians, particularly young black men, to be compliant and exercise extreme caution when interacting with American police due to escalating tensions over recent fatal police shootings.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said on Monday there was “absolutely” no fall out from diplomats in the United States - full story HERE.

Five police officers were killed and seven wounded last Thursday during a protest in Dallas, Texas, over the fatal shootings of two black men by police, Alton Sterling in Louisiana, and Philando Castile in Minnesota.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs came under fire for Friday's advisory with some American commentators insisting that the move was political - a claim Minister Fred Mitchell has denied.

The Embassy's message read: "This message is to remind U.S. Citizens resident and visiting New Providence Island (Nassau) and Paradise Island to be mindful of their surroundings at all times and employ practical personal security awareness when in public and at home to avoid being a victim of crime."

"Over the course of the past six months," it continued, "the U.S. Embassy has received reports of a significant increase in armed robberies throughout New Providence, specifically targeting patrons of ATM machines, parking venues at various retail locations, and armed car-jackings."

By Ava Turnquest, Tribune Chief Reporter

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