US SECURITY ALERT
 
The Bahamas Government has been advised by the Embassy of the United States that the US Department of Homeland Security has raised the terrorism Security Alert to ‘orange level’ and has advised that there is a possibility of terrorism activity against Americans abroad, during the Christmas season.
 
As The Bahamas is a major destination for American vacation travellers, this means that we are obliged to increase security measures at all ports of entry particularly the Nassau International Airport, the Grand Bahama International Airport and the Prince George Dock.

All the concerned agencies of Government inclusive of the Ministry of National Security, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Airport Authority, the Civil Aviation Department, the Port Authority, Customs and Immigration as well as the Grand Bahama Port Authority have all been alerted; and all hotels and ground tour operators and airlines are being alerted and tighter security measures are being implemented.
 
Travellers are therefore advised to arrive at airports at least three hours before scheduled departure in order to comply with the enhanced security measures.
 
The last time that the security alert was upgraded to orange by the American authorities, was in May of this year, and it involved security checks of all cars parked near to the International airports and screening of all vehicles coming within a certain radius of the Airports.
 
Bahamians are asked to be aware of these increased security measures and to exercise calm and patience as these are all meant to provide greater security for all persons.
 
Ministry of National Security
21st December, 2003