Bahamas deputy prime minister calls 2023 'a banner year for tourism' only ONE day after US Embassy issues urgent travel warning over soaring violent crime - as January murder toll jumps AGAIN to 18

The deputy prime minister of The Bahamas has praised 2023 as a 'banner year for tourism' after the US embassy advised Americans visiting the country to be cautious.

Chester Cooper spoke at an event in Tallahassee, Florida organized by the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters in which he promoted The Bahamas to the fraternity group. 

'The year 2023 was a banner year in tourism that brought us an unprecedented 8 million plus in visitor arrivals,' he proudly stated on Thursday.

It came just a day after the US Embassy in Nassau issued a security and advisory warning to tourists about the rising levels of gang violence and homicides.

There have been 18 murders reported in the country in January alone, with retaliatory gang violence being the primary motive.

The deputy prime minister of The Bahamas Chester Cooper has praised 2023 as a 'banner year for tourism' after the US embassy advised Americans visiting the country to be cautious

He spoke at an event in Tallahassee, Florida organized by the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters in which he promoted The Bahamas to the fraternity group

It came just a day after the US Embassy in Nassau issued a security and advisory warning to tourists about the rising levels of gang violence and homicides

Deputy prime minister Cooper addressed the fraternity group at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum.

He was promoting The Bahamas as a destination for business meetings and conferences which he said makes up 40 percent of all tourism to the country. 

It enjoyed a 25 percent rise in this type of tourism compared to pre-pandemic levels and is aiming to become the leading destination in the Caribbean. 

But the US embassy issued a warning to American travelers about the risks in visiting The Bahamas. 

A spike in violent crime, including burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults has been recorded in both tourist and non-tourist areas since the beginning of 2024.

Americans have been advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties.

'Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets,' the embassy wrote in a release.

Officials have also asked tourists to not physically resist any robbery attempt and to not answer the front door at any hotel/residence for unknown people.

The State Department has placed the Bahamas on its 'Exercise Increased Caution' warning list and even asked people to stay from water tours and sports.

'Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated.

'Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications. Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities.

'Never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills. Keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities.

'Be mindful of sharks when swimming and engaging in water activities, as there have been recent fatal and non-fatal incidents involving sharks.'

Cooper was promoting The Bahamas as a destination for business meetings and conferences which he said makes up 40 percent of all tourism to the country

But the US embassy issued a warning to American travelers about the risks in visiting The Bahamas

A spike in violent crime, including burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults has been recorded in both tourist and non-tourist areas since the beginning of 2024

Last week, video footage emerged of the moment a 30-year-old man was shot dead in the middle of the street in the middle of the day

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis commented on the advisory: '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 made safer, and our lives less blighted by murder and other violent crimes.'

According to local news, Davis has already introduced a crime plan to the public in response to the soaring murder rate this month.

Last week, video footage emerged of the moment a 30-year-old man was shot dead in the middle of the street in the middle of the day.

According to officials, Antonio Venus of Greaves Street, Monte Grant was murdered in Tunapuna on January 13.

Video shows a black Toyota AE100 crash, being driven by Venus, crash into the door of a white car and fall into a drain.

As the crash was happening, three men quickly stepped out of the white car with guns in hand and ran towards Venus.

They trio quickly shot at the car and ran back to their own car before driving off.

Police discovered Venus in the driver's seat bleeding from gunshot wounds to his torso. He later died of injuries at a hospital.

Officials have not identified any suspects.

'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 made safer, and our lives less blighted by murder and other violent crimes.'

According to local news, Davis has already introduced a crime plan to the public in response to the soaring murder rate this month.

Last week, video footage emerged of the moment a 30-year-old man was shot dead in the middle of the street in the middle of the day.