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The Bahamas Issues New U.S. Travel Advisory, Warns Visitors to Use ‘Extreme Caution’ Around Police After Shootings

The Bahamas Issue New U.S. Travel Advisory
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The Bahamas issued a travel advisory on Friday, July 8, warning its citizens planning to go to the United States to use “extreme caution” around police after recent shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota and Texas.

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“At the commencement of the Independence holiday weekend, many Bahamians will no doubt use the opportunity to travel, in particular to destinations in the United States,” the nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration wrote, referencing the country's national holiday on July 10. 

The statement continues: “We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the U.S. but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally. In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate.” (According to the CIA’s World Factbook, more than 90 percent of Bahamian residents are black.)

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The Bahamas’ advisory comes after several recent shootings in the U.S. involving police officers. Five law enforcement officers were shot and killed in Dallas on Thursday, July 7, by a lone sniper, Micah Johnson. Johnson, 25, who was later killed with a bomb detonated by authorities, committed the ambush because he was upset at “white people” after police shootings of two black men earlier in the week.

As previously reported, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, resident Alton Sterling was killed by police while selling homemade CDs and DVDs outside a store on Tuesday, July 5. The following day, Falcon Heights, Minnesota, resident Philando Castile was killed by an officer during a traffic stop. His girlfriend live-streamed the aftermath of the shooting on Facebook as her 4-year-old daughter sat in the backseat of the car.

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The advisory from the Bahamas’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday concluded with a final warning, writing, “Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds.… Pay attention to the public notices and news announcements in the city that you are visiting. Be safe, enjoy the holiday and be sensible.”

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