The Bahamas on Friday warned its citizens against traveling to the United States over the recent officer-involved shootings that spurred nationwide protests.
A travel advisory issued by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Issues acknowledged “the recent tensions in some American cities over shootings of young black males by police officers,” and urged Bahamians planning trips abroad to exercise caution while in the U.S.
“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,” the statement says.
“If there is any issue please allow consular offices for The Bahamas to deal with the issues. Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds.”
The Bahamas this weekend is celebrating its 43rd anniversary of political independence from Britain, and the advisory acknowledged that “many Bahamians will no doubt use the opportunity to travel, in particular to destinations in the United States.”
The travel advisory linked to contact information for the Bahama’s consular offices in the U.S. and asked travelers to “Be safe, enjoy the holiday weekend and be sensible.”
Roughly nine-in-ten Bahamians are black, according to census reports.
Friday’s statement was issued days after two African-Americans were fatally shot by law enforcement within 24 hours of one another. President Obama described the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile as “tragedies” in a statement Thursday where he discussed the divide between law enforcement and the black community.
“This is not just a black issue, not just a Hispanic issue. This is an American issue. All fair-minded people should be concerned,” Mr. Obama said.
Within hours of Mr. Obama’s statement, former Army reservist Micah Xavier Johnson opened fire at a protest in Dallas, killing five police officers before being killed by police.
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