Bahamas issues US travel warning over police violence

The Bahamas have issued a travel warning to its citizens traveling to the US to “exercise extreme caution” around police after a week of racial tension in the country.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed in particular to “young males” who would be traveling to cities in the US over the country’s Independence Day holiday weekend. They are also advised not to get involved in “political or other demonstrations.”

“Exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate,” the statement reads, adding “If there is any issue please allow consular offices for the Bahamas to deal with the issues.”

The warning comes after a week in which police shot dead Alton Sterling in Baton Rogue and Philando Castile in Minnesota. On Friday, five police officers were killed when a gunman opened fire at the end of an anti-violence protest in Dallas.

READ MORE: Protests, outrage & grief in aftermath of fatal shooting of cops in Dallas

The US has previously issued travel warnings to its citizens traveling to the Bahamas over dangerous crime levels in the country.

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe warned that Bahamians were suffering because of the US travel advisories, in a country where tourism is the number one industry.

Currently the US has 38 travel warnings and five travel alerts issued according to the US Department of State. Europe is amongst those with an alert advising citizens to “avoid crowded spaces” and “stay in touch with your family.”

They currently have no warnings or alerts issued for the Bahamas.