It takes frequent trips between Nassau and Eleuthera, Andros, Long Island, or Grand Exuma. 1953-0041. Otherwise, having been to Nassau with my wife, stayed in a highly economical hotel and wandered the streets everywhere, made our way to the neighboring beaches by public bus (in 2010), and indulged in random foods and interactions in random places within Nassau, I have to say I don't know what you guys are talking about when you get into the paranoid rants above. Ive been to Nassau 13 times a single mother and my daughter traveled there alone. If you want to experience what the Bahamas really are, then don't go to Nassau or Grand Bahamas island! Drug possession and drug use are illegal in The Bahamas. But I grew up in poor areas in the United States. Nothing scary about Nassau just don't be stupid and go places tourist don't belong. Additionally, it is illegal to possess any type of switchblade knife regardless of blade length in the state of Florida. After they caught him I indentified him from a line up and I'm assuming he was aressted. And that's to the right of the cruise terminal. Indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engravings, or any other indecent or obscene article. They got knife laws that are a product of a public boogie man. Other safety tips include: The Bahamas is slowly becoming LGBTQ+-friendly. We decided to not do excursions and explored on our own. You can't let a small amount of senseless individual soil the image of a whole island. This aint tough math Wow, these reviews and stories I JUST read are horrible, especially the sexual assault stories. The other islands (such as Abacos, Andros, Eleuthera, Exumas locally called Family Islands or Out Islands) are generally safer than Nassau or New Providence, with little violent crime occurring. The xenophobia experienced by Haitians in the Bahamas is as bad as any kind of racism. Human trafficking, sex trafficking and using children as drug mules. Please educate yourselves before speaking, should I blame Chicago for all the crime rate in the United States? Because something happen to ou in Nassau doesn't meant it a cure on the family islands, some family islands don't even have 10 persons on it and it is very quiet of course Nassau being the capital it will have plenty people and lots of crime. When I started to walk back, I couldn't! The straw market isn't even worth the time. No real crime in East Asia very safe.I am SHOCKED at the violence in Bahamas these days ! We always come back with little gifts. I went down and stayed near other guests and didn't wander, I had 2 small drinks (like they would give you water in the plastic cups). My experience in Nassau was well enjoyed. To avoid prolonged encounters, I suggest confidently responding not interested to their advances and keep it moving. Rabies and Hydrophobia Prevention Regulations. However, some cities and counties may have ordinances that restrict the size or type of knives allowed. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. the crime statistics and cruise-ship-complex with its expected locals pushing their products, the cat calling etc is all too much for a middle aged to older cruiser who really just wants to do what they want to do and the world just has to understand that. There is no law banning the carrying in public knives with sheaths, knives that take both hands to open and any knife with a fixed blade and certain non-prohibited folding knives, if they are not carrying for a purpose dangerous to public peace or for the purpose of committing a criminal offense. I sat on a yellow metal bench, and began looking through our things for the number of the man that rented us the four wheeler. While the islands are considered safe forwomen travelers overall, consider dressing modestly for your trip, Always take precautions while out at night to ensure your safety, such as taking a licensed taxi to a club or restaurant rather than walking, particularly in Nassau, Avoid hitchhiking, walking in deserted or poorly lit areas, and walking alone at night. Afterward, we went right back to the boat. No matter the level of risk associated with the knife, you can't carry any of these weapons without prior authorization from the authority. But that doesnt stop people from coming here by the thousands. !I was on top of him chocking him, he couldn't breathe and I was jus beating him with all I had with my other hand!!!! It was great! I visit The Bahamas every chance I get and have never had any negative experiences worth writing about. When we docked here for half a day, my wife and I walked the usual tourist route and bought some small souvenirs nothing expensive. Our money, my life, her body and perhaps then her life. I had been spending the better part of 2 yrs traveling to places I'd never been, overcoming a divorce, and my own fears. Go on and risk your family and life just to show that you aren't 'racist', but the reality is, it's factual. We just left our Nassau Port stop and are heading to CocoCay right now. I am just back from the most wonderful holiday at sandals bahamian . All of this was caught on the hotel security cameras. We had our beautiful wedding on the beach!!! This article states that 128 people were killed here in 2015. Im scared after reading the comments. With hundreds of vendors, and a range of cultural Bahamian crafts to choose from, get ready to bargain for the best deal. I found the people ever so friendly and used the jitney ( bus) everyday and found nothing but friendliness everywhere . laws are all loose and up to what the local officer decides - if he likes your knife, its illegal and chances are he will sieze it. As we got another block away another man on the corner told us to watch out as the drug selling men were waiting for us to go down an alley or side street to rob us and he told us to stay on the main path until we get on Bay street the main tourist area. Fortunately my amazing father after our family had to abandon the Bahamas later on established a second home for us on the island of Menorca which is the same size and shape as Nassau but with NO crime and a refined and civilised populace. Be careful there-stay in groups. Make sure you get travel insurance, in case of injury or accident during your activities on the islands. So I must exempt my opinions that follow from that type of crime which I've never myself experienced. You just need to use common sense drinking, be aware of surroundings. I honestly think my size (6'5, 340) deterred anyone from robbing us. You wouldn't leave your purse unattended in your own city would you ?? Maybe that gave me the edge I needed to stay coherent enough from that damn drug they gave me!!! Nothing would work! SO JUST STOP IT! As we left and headed back to the boat we were approached by some men trying to sell us Ganja and some pills. Currently her mother is breaking her back trying to get enough money saved to move herself and her daughter out of the Bahamas completely and come to where my family lives, she doesnt understand why anyone would ever go there willingly. My wife told me she NEVER wanted to go the Nassau because of the rampant crime and how the local police look away (I was also told some cops are actually working with the criminals). It is a small island about 7-9 miles, but I had the best time, we were told by locals that the crime rate there is extremely low and I witnessed a woman leave her purse in a golf cart and go back inside building an no one bothered it. Folks, save your money, and vote with your dollar, if the Bahamas can't fix their crime problems internally to make it safe for tourists who spend MILLIONS of dollars in their land every year, then they cannot be helped otherwise. So to the point, Nassau was not nearly as dangerous in our experience as is being reported here, BUT it was as dangerous as the average port city through which a drug trade functions, so it dangerous! I worked aboard the SS Oceanic with Premier Cruise Lines (out of Cape Canaveral before Disney bought us out to make way for the the Wonder) in 1999. My friend got abducted when the taxi driver decided to put gas in his car and had her bf get something from inside and then drove off with her in the car. Nassau is located on one Island in the Bahamas, please go get a map! @Malik: I will think twice. Going forward I will keep my head on a swivel ever present for the thugs with nothing else to do but prey on people who pump money into the Bahamas economy. B. A no go place for me and my family ever again. When he ran OFF the property I knew he DIDNT work there! Only then will you get a real taste of how wonderful these islands really are. I promise you there is more to the Bahamas then they've said. But I have read that home invasions have also taken place. We took a water taxi ($5 pp) to another close-by island, Harbour Island, and rented a golf cart to explore the island. Jamaica has a better tourism corridor (although the crime is fairly high outside the hotel areas). As, you will not be legally able to remove any seafood, coral, etc. Children are prone to accidents. I'm from Toronto and I wouldn't go to certain areas here. #6. It's the same in every country/city be smart don't flash your money jewelry fancy clothes around there's always someone that has less and will take yours where ever you go. I protected myself and my life by taking a chance on 2 American pilots and asked if I could hang out with them. Jun 28, 2012 (Edited) Add to quote; Share Only show this user. The man sexually assaulted her and dropped her off in a touristy area where she flagged a police officer to drive her to the hotel. Our house is in Goodman's Bay, is this a safe spot? She took all the safety precautions and the worst part is that the COPS don't care, even the female ones. I left my book bag on a street pole in Bain town and drove around the island on a scooter and when I returned it was still there with everything inside of it. I find the local Bahamians friendly and as far as aggressive sellers on the beach and at the straw market, sure theyre just trying to make a living. Spiking drinks with drugs is sometimes done to unsuspecting visitors. Why bother with them? We told the ship's security what happened and they remained professional and also said it was not uncommon as they have incidents like this each time the ship docks in Nassau and it even happens to their fellow crew members. The safest place I went to was St. Johns (very small Island, very friendly people and most importantly it is part of the USA so we know who runs it). Took a taxicab ride tour of the city with a guy who wound up being very suspicious. Your safety needs will vary across the islands and largely depends on where you visit. There are also small boat services, called mail boats, that sail to the lesser inhabited islands. Try going to downtown areas for more affordable options. False sense of security they give you is costly, and can be deadly. I turned right back around after walking about a block away from that area. The law for nicotine is also the same in the Bahamas. I did everything and saw everything. Go to the out islands such as Eleuthera, Exuma, or Abaco (even though destroyed last year in a hurricane). Australia's Knife Laws Vs. the World. Dwell is a platform for anyone to write about design and architecture. Thanks - Alan Esav Benyamin MidniteSuperMod Joined Apr 6, 2000 Messages 90,915 Aug 28, 2004 #2 To carry around down there, I would suggest nothing more ferocious than a SAK or an Opinel. Mail boats are slow and transport goods and products; however, you can pay to hitch a ride but you wont find much comfort. Again, if you think my comment is racist, then you are a part of the problem. Been to Nassau multiple times as part of a cruise stop. That Friday night they were having a beach party and I wanted just to check it out for a little bit, my fianc had a headache so I told him I wouldn't be gone for but a hourIt was located jus 2 minutes from our room. The jitneys always lively and with lots of laughs and lots of music and friendly banter . Here are my top safety tips for travelers who are going to visit The Bahamas. Thanks and take care. Another night went under the bridge between New Providence and Paradise Island for dinner. He got me to a point between the buildings and grabbed me and tried to pull me towards the beach! Also I would not get off the boat if I went back nothing there worth seeing for that level of harassment. The locals do drop their prices on some items. Staying on Paradise Island at Rio Palace. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. Go there. When you turn right and head to the straw market it is pretty much safe other than the harassment from people asking you to buy things or trying to con you into a tour or some other scam. So overall my recommendation is to go no further than one block north and use Bay Street as the red line to not cross. Definitely be careful if you go and stay at Atlantis. Im looking through all these comments and I see alot of bad reviews, as well as people passing judgments based on what they've heard. 75% of jobs in the Bahamas is dependent on visiting people like ou and others. If you could manage this, the world of wonders are there for you to experience and appreciate. As we kept walking to the entrance two thugs grab my wife and daughter and put knives to their stomachs demanding their phones and backpacks. I have been to Nassau 10 times by cruise ship with my wife and grandkids. On departure day I avoided their set up taxi driver and snuck off at a different time. So we decided not to ever go back. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Tennessee law section 39-17-1309 forbids the possession and carry of weapons, including knives, on school property. While we did stay on Paradise Island we frequently ventured into Nassau. He had the day off and chose to spend it on his own at the beach. I told him no I was fine. The community has cultural significance as the birthplace of the national festival of Junkanoo, but much of the violent crime in The Bahamas is concentrated over the hill. Tourists were sitting on the bench nearby. She filled out a police report and a FEMALE COP blamed the assault on her cause she was drinking at the time. Lived there in the early seventies and it was low crime only because they hung them for capital Most of the serious crimes committed in The Bahamas center largely in Nassau (New Providence). Bahamas must be a save state! There are some tragic stories above, the sexual assault experience isn't one a person can shrug off as a bad experience. There are however THREE online e-books, one of which I have started reading. 1984-0013. I loved the city and the people! Go to one of the smaller family islands. In California, it is legal to carry a pocket knife with a blade length of less than 2.5 inches in most areas. Snatch-and-grab crimes involving travelers bags, jewelry, smartphones or cash are some of the most popular petty crimes that happen to visitors in The Bahamas. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Bahamas Laws Online contains the consolidated electronic database of the 2000 Revised Edition of the Statute Laws of The Bahamas, which comprises (a) all legislation in force up to the 31st December, 2009; and (b) new and amendment legislation in force, enacted or made from January 1, 2010 to-date. A man from the US and a couple parked in another car witnessed the whole thing and gave us a partial plate of the last three digits being 737. When you stop getting angry after losing, youve lost twice. Just because something happened to you once doesn't means it going t happen again. The Bahamas have thousands of illegal Haitians roaming their streets (causing the increase in crime). Make sure you take at least one nice pair of pants and shirt and something other than sandles. My family wanted to do the Mayan temple slide one more time but I wanted to go take a shower and get ready for dinner so my Mom allowed me to go ahead to the room. If you walk out the port DO NOT turn left and go in that direction as it is all closed up shops and people hanging around up to no good. The crime rate is noted. While in downtown Nassau, you need to be alert and on the lookout for pickpockets and ATM scammers. Let's not forget that 90%+ of all crime in the US is indeed committed by blacks who represent a little under 13% of the entire US population - this is NOT a racist comment, this is a statistic that can be LOOKED UP on the FBI's website. Maybe if tourists treated locals with the same respect they would their neighbors, (instead of like the help). I have 2 beautiful daughters in their late teens and we did not experience any cat calls or aggressive males. Very friendly and helping at the end of the day its crime in every country , island , state , city I dont care where you are. We had no experience with the Bahamas and picked Eleuthera after seeing an HGTV show. You and your family will have an amazing time just like me and my mother did. I don't especially like such an environment, but it didn't stop us from enjoying local culture, food, little museums and the beaches the locals themselves enjoy.it was a really nice experience in and of itself. As we got near the Pirates Museum we were approached by some local thugs who stated it was closed. Where I'm pretty sure no tourist would ever go by themselves because it's like one of the worst places in Nassau. I caught a Taxi and went over the hill to Berthas Go Go Ribs and I returned in one piece. everyone is trying to make a dollar just like flea markets everywhere but be smart about it. Even if you carry a legal knife for self-defense, it is illegal in Canada. Individuals that are bad are everywhere but not all govt officials/ police lack luster to their jobs: don't care. Any tips from previous cruisers? Nothing other than relevant info about crime : trouble spots/ spots free of crime= racey vs. Family islands; wholesome activities vs. Those which involve spending money on: gambling, liqour, and clubbing making the difference or objects of interest being made available / easy access: money, human female body, seems to be the running trend to the stories. Please be safe when drinking also, you have to remember these are VERY poor people and they resent and hate seeing others coming to their country spending money when they have none. We stayed at the Viva Wyndham and were there for only 1 day when when the most horrific thing ever happened to me!!! In traveler hubs, like on Paradise Island, you will definitely attract higher costs for food at supermarkets or restaurants, If you want to catch a cheaper meal, then eat where locals eat. Bahamas were amazing, the locals are great & just trying to make a living. Within a couple blocks walking distance a woman began driving at us very quickly; she was intent on speaking to us. Its easy to get distracted wandering around a new place, soaking up the sights and making sure you maximize the hours in a day. I really don't know how I fought so hard, but damn glad I did!!! Well before Pindling took over in 1967 the Bahamas was a civilised functioning country with LOW crime with a government that didn't take money from Colombian drug barons. What I hear from her and her mother is that its not safe to even leave your home because you risk getting shot. Pack insect repellant and apply at dawn and dusk liberally to avoid mosquitoes at their most active time. For me the scariest thing I encounter when I go is the driving. Daniel Moore Joined Jul 28, 2003 Messages 2,790 Aug 28, 2004 #3 I also spent two years in Nassau, west bay street 2012-2014 Plus the SOB got a beat down!!! This dagger originated in the early 19th century as a close-combat weapon predominantly used by civilians. List of Illegal Knives In Tennessee School Property The entire time I had a sense we were in imminent danger; not exactly something you want while on vacation. Laws in general are pretty loose in the . So I'm just wondering should I still plan a Bahamas cruise what are the best spots if not some ideas on other locations would be greatly appreciated, Nassau sucks period as soon as you get off the cruise ship locals will harass you nonstop and you won't be able to enjoy much. The phrase its just a game is such a weak mindset. As an African American I have been fortunate enough to travel to MOST of the Caribbean countries and have never had any real issues (St. Martins-the French side-is basically a ghetto with a nice beach NEVER GO THERE and in Antigua the people at the airport are extremely aggressive taking your bags and loading them in taxis without asking and then putting the damn hand out looking for a tip! I even went to the most feared Bain town. Its also where I learned of the existence of pink sandy beaches, and that Bahamians have an unrivaled love for conch meat. I received all the "hey mamas" smiled and kept walking I never was harassed. sad but true. Puerto Rico is a bit more expensive, but the security is a bit more consistent. Any help on this issue would be appreciated. Don't be paranoid and don't be careless..just keep cool and be sensible. When i was of everyone around me, even my spouse. If anyone tries to rob you, hand over whatever it is they are asking for. Passable Knives. It took all I had to try and function at this point to make it to the main buildings for help! Based on most of these comments, the trip to Nassau that I had planned after watching the James Bond movie Thunderball will be cancelled. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. I just returned from a Royal Caribbean cruise there last week and encountered a criminal incident as well. Security did NOT even tell him what had happened!!! Are there any safe neighborhoods?? Are things really bad there ? The US is a great example for helping reverse Britain's knife laws. Drove West down West Bay St beside the ocean and stopped at a pull off spot to take pics because we saw other tourists doing the same. And there is always someone who gets the price down.) Just finished a cruise that stopped in Nassau. They finally called my fianc to come and get me, but by this time I don't even remember him coming. If the word gets out to the public and news outlets about the crimes these worthless LOST SOULS are committing it will scare tourist away affecting their economy THEN forcing their GOVERNMENTS to crack down on crime. We believed her, they looked bad and they looked hungry. Dont keep your valuables all in one place. They headed back east on west Bay Street toward town- ships/port. I was been haunted each time i touched a device, i didn't have rest of mind till i got darkwebsolutions anti spyware and anti malware. Contact us for full details. Understanding why travel insurance matters to responsible travelers. I guess the answer is to try it and not look like a tourist but the fact sticks in my mind that the Bahamas murder rate is around 40 per 100,000 per annum which is extremely high and I have looked at the crime reporting page of the Nassau police department and it doesn't look good at all. Rio palace has great employees and great food, but the building and amenities ate not worth the price. It is clearly stated in the U.S. Code 1243; Not one time have we had any problem. The same is said about Mexico- and that prob explains the crime there. I plan on Snokeling and Diving and was planning on bringing my own dive knife.. but I did not want to get in trouble for carrying a weapon. Citizens of the Bahamas and tourists can purchase liquor or consume it in public places as long as they are above 18 years of age. Matter of fact I was on hospital road in Bain town. Haitians are the illegal immigrant underclass in the Bahamas and therefore a source of much of the crime. Check the height of balconies and move anything that could fall or looks potentially dangerous. For my money I'll skip Nassau. But will leave you alone if you tell them your not interested. My family in Andros still camp on the beach, and only lock their doors at bedtime. Its no different than at home in Canada where we are the 5th most dangerous city in the country plagued by drug crimes. I went everywhere. I'm not even saying that all black-run countries are messed up. I am going to make some people very angry (my fellow AA family and I do NOT care). There are so many beaches to discover in The Bahamas, offering different activities on each island. In a nutshell, what they mean is that switchblades are not allowed. They are very aggressive and annoying. The people were always friendly and gave us great advice on where to go and how to get there. Cat calls, suggestive comments to my wife by a guy running a store when I was around the corner, aggressive people at the straw market in your face finally had to tell them to F off.
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