By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

POINTING to the steady rise in violent crime over the past two years, US State Department officials again warned American visitors to avoid “Over The Hill” areas after dark in its annual crime and safety report.

This year’s report did not include criminal threat ratings for New Providence or Grand Bahama; however, the country was said to have a “moderate” threat of trans-national terrorism due to “porous borders”.

Officials also underscored concerns for residential security, minimal enforcement of traffic laws, and an “upsurge” in criminal activity that could put innocent bystanders at risk.

The report read: “Much of the violent crime on New Providence Island happens in non-tourist areas referred to locally as ‘Over the Hill,’ These areas are generally south of the downtown Nassau area south of Shirley Street.

“These areas are not clearly defined but encompass the lower income areas on New Providence. Visitors should avoid these areas, especially at night.”

It added: “While it is against the law, drinking and driving is common and rarely enforced resulting in numerous traffic accidents and fatalities, including those involving tourists and scooters.”

Decreases in murder and crimes against property were noted; however, it was noted that the murder count still surpassed 100 for a second consecutive year, and violent crimes increased by two per cent.

“As a result of the robust presence of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and a recently instituted crime reduction plan in tourist areas, most crimes are perpetuated against local Bahamians in areas not typically frequented by tourists.”

The report added: “Many criminals are brazen and do not hesitate to use deadly force when confronted.”

Police response times to threats of crime against tourists were “quick”, according to the report, which explained that delays sometimes resulted from “lack of resources or by the physical constraints imposed by geography and infrastructure.”

The report added that terrorist groups native to the western hemisphere do not typically operate in the northeastern Caribbean.

Approximately 80 per cent of tourists visiting the Bahamas are American, according to the report.

Drafted to assist American travellers and businesses, the annual report addresses crime threats, road safety, medical emergencies, and safety tips in countries that have established US embassies, and includes other relevant data effecting travellers such as political violence and environmental hazards.

In last year’s report, US authorities rated New Providence’s criminal threat level as “critical” - and for the first time rated Grand Bahama’s level as “high”, putting the island on a par with the Dominican Republic.

Highlighting several incidents of violent crime involving tourists or tourist locations, the 2012 report charged that the dramatic increase in crime last year had adversely affected the travelling public.

It is not clear whether or not an updated ratings assessment will be released later this year. Calls placed to Nassau embassy officials for clarification were not returned yesterday.

The 2013 report also noted that despite national pride on keeping the country clean, environmental standards are minimally enforced and recycling is not widespread.