This is an annual report
produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S.
Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Embassy’s
responsibility extends to seven independent nations: Antigua & Barbuda,
Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent
& the Grenadines. The American Citizen Services (ACS) section in Bridgetown
also covers consular services for U.S. citizens in three British overseas
territories (Anguilla, Montserrat, and the British Virgin Islands) and four French
islands (Martinique, Saint Barthélemy (Saint Bart’s), Saint Martin
(the French half), and Guadeloupe. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline
knowledge of security conditions in these locations. For more in-depth
information, review OSAC.gov for original OSAC reporting, consular messages,
and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives
with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The
current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories at the date of this report’s
publication assess Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the French West Indies, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines all at
Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. The
current State Department Travel Advisory for Dominica assesses that country at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise
increased caution due to civil unrest. Review
OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular
Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bridgetown
as being a HIGH-threat location, and Grenada as a LOW-threat
location, for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The remaining countries to which the
U.S. Embassy is accredited do not have official ratings for crime; consider
them similar to Barbados in terms of criminality.
Regional
police forces usually cooperate with U.S. counterparts. However, response time
to law enforcement and security requests can at times be quite slow due to
inadequate funding, lack of equipment and training, and staffing shortages. Criminals
do not specifically target U.S. travelers visiting the Eastern Caribbean. Tourism
is a major contributor to regional economies. U.S. nationals residing in the
Eastern Caribbean do not always enjoy the same level of police protection that
regional governments provide to tourist areas.
Crime Threats
Resorts,
hotels and other businesses that cater to tourists provide additional security
measures. Some examples are walled-in compounds with access controls, private
security staff, background checks on employees, and hired drivers for safe
transport of guests. Uniformed police presence is higher in residential and
business areas frequented by tourists. Police stations and outposts are usually
strategically located in those areas. Visitors should use caution in dealing
with beach merchants.
Undertake
travel outside of tourist areas with caution, especially at night, due to the
prevalence of unmarked and unlighted roads. Be vigilant when using public
telephones or ATMs, especially those located near roadsides or in secluded
areas. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas
Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
Avoid
wearing expensive jewelry, carrying expensive objects, or carrying large
amounts of cash. Safeguard valuables while at the beach. Review OSAC’s
report, All That You Should
Leave Behind.
Although
hotels and resorts are generally safe, loss of unattended items is possible. Hotel
burglaries may occur in less reputable hotels; lock all valuables in room safes
when possible. Keep doors and windows locked, especially at night. Residential burglars
generally exploit an existing vulnerability (e.g. unlocked doors/windows,
substandard door/window grilles, and poor/non-existent outdoor lighting). Review
OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for
Hotel Security.
Avoid Crab
Hill in northwest Barbados, and the vicinity of Nelson and Wellington Streets in
Bridgetown, especially at night as well as non-reputable privately chartered
nighttime party cruises.
Crime Statistics
Below
is a snapshot of regional crime statistics, tracking eight primary categories. As
the visual representation indicates, there are significant numbers of
residential burglaries, drug-related crimes and sexual assaults.
2018
Reported Crime Rates per 100,000 Citizens:
Country
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
Antigua & Barbuda
|
12
|
2
|
39
|
87
|
6
|
26
|
161
|
24
|
Barbados
|
10
|
3
|
57
|
98
|
20
|
325
|
490
|
44
|
Dominica
|
15
|
1
|
82
|
93
|
22
|
427
|
103
|
46
|
Grenada
|
11
|
0
|
265
|
36
|
16
|
712
|
639
|
28
|
St. Kitts & Nevis
|
42
|
0
|
56
|
125
|
75
|
580
|
627
|
0
|
St. Lucia
|
21
|
4
|
129
|
164
|
20
|
503
|
266
|
120
|
St. Vincent & the
Grenadines
|
31
|
5
|
199
|
125
|
13
|
765
|
242
|
28
|

Below are crime statistics provided by the respective police departments
of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St.
Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines for the past five years:
Antigua
and Barbuda (population ~ 101,000):
Year
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
2018
|
12
|
2
|
39
|
88
|
6
|
26
|
163
|
24
|
2017
|
20
|
14
|
28
|
112
|
15
|
75
|
348
|
49
|
2016
|
8
|
2
|
58
|
76
|
12
|
17
|
231
|
15
|
2015
|
5
|
4
|
54
|
111
|
13
|
30
|
208
|
18
|
2014
|
13
|
1
|
55
|
241
|
19
|
11
|
195
|
31
|
Barbados (population
~ 285,000):
Year
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
2018
|
28
|
8
|
163
|
278
|
56
|
926
|
1396
|
124
|
2017
|
30
|
10
|
172
|
239
|
84
|
1030
|
1617
|
116
|
2016
|
22
|
12
|
182
|
186
|
55
|
1029
|
1605
|
105
|
2015
|
28
|
14
|
194
|
300
|
34
|
1029
|
1190
|
111
|
2014
|
25
|
3
|
167
|
285
|
33
|
1187
|
655
|
92
|
Dominica (population
~ 74,000):
Year
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
2018
|
11
|
1
|
61
|
69
|
16
|
316
|
76
|
34
|
2017
|
12
|
4
|
97
|
73
|
12
|
653
|
117
|
67
|
2016
|
10
|
4
|
83
|
64
|
15
|
831
|
16
|
56
|
2015
|
9
|
2
|
96
|
73
|
10
|
907
|
109
|
79
|
2014
|
9
|
3
|
110
|
85
|
15
|
842
|
159
|
62
|
Grenada (population
~ 107,000):
Year
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
2018
|
12
|
0
|
284
|
39
|
17
|
762
|
639
|
28
|
2017
|
10
|
0
|
193
|
57
|
3
|
910
|
725
|
0
|
2016
|
10
|
0
|
273
|
55
|
6
|
941
|
740
|
-
|
2015
|
6
|
0
|
212
|
76
|
0
|
996
|
756
|
-
|
2014
|
8
|
0
|
112
|
64
|
0
|
1040
|
576
|
-
|
St.
Kitts & Nevis (population ~ 55,000):
Year
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
2018
|
23
|
0
|
31
|
69
|
41
|
319
|
345
|
0
|
2017
|
22
|
1
|
55
|
81
|
49
|
314
|
396
|
0
|
2016
|
30
|
2
|
43
|
57
|
50
|
310
|
272
|
12
|
2015
|
27
|
3
|
33
|
65
|
46
|
142
|
204
|
12
|
2014
|
24
|
0
|
33
|
54
|
32
|
196
|
230
|
3
|
St.
Lucia (population ~ 182,000):
Year
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
2018
|
39
|
8
|
234
|
299
|
36
|
916
|
484
|
218
|
2017
|
53
|
13
|
296
|
311
|
29
|
984
|
338
|
209
|
2016
|
30
|
0
|
252
|
394
|
32
|
452
|
252
|
170
|
2015
|
28
|
0
|
250
|
111
|
26
|
403
|
119
|
144
|
2014
|
30
|
0
|
274
|
29
|
25
|
491
|
90
|
144
|
St. Vincent
& the Grenadines (population ~ 110,000):
Year
|
Murders
|
Kidnappings
|
Sexual Assaults
|
Robberies
|
Shootings
|
Residential Burglaries
|
Drug Related Crimes
|
Vehicle Thefts
|
2018
|
34
|
6
|
219
|
138
|
14
|
842
|
266
|
31
|
2017
|
40
|
4
|
262
|
69
|
42
|
565
|
278
|
24
|
2016
|
40
|
9
|
236
|
77
|
42
|
524
|
272
|
19
|
2015
|
26
|
1
|
196
|
86
|
21
|
597
|
359
|
17
|
2014
|
38
|
3
|
228
|
80
|
28
|
704
|
388
|
21
|
Cybersecurity Issues
Cybersecurity
attacks frequently target public institutions, financial institutions and
critical infrastructure. Many of the Eastern Caribbean police forces are
ill-equipped to prevent and investigate these types of attacks and intrusions.
In recent years, the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) experienced several attacks
against its website, and government websites were targets of attacks in
Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Antigua & Barbuda. The
governments of the Eastern Caribbean appear to be taking some steps to develop
better investigative infrastructure for cyber incidents as evidenced by the
2017 opening of the Regional Security Systems Digital Forensic Laboratory,
significantly enhancing their ability to investigate crimes with a digital
nexus. Digital security remains a concern in the region, particularly with ATM
fraud, credit card fraud and other cybercrimes. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices,
and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?
Transportation-Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
In Antigua
& Barbuda, driving is on the left side of the road. Major roads
are in average to poor condition, and you may encounter wandering animals and slow-moving
heavy equipment. Drivers often stop in the middle of the roadway without
warning. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and
watch for signs of sudden braking. Automobiles may lack working safety and
signaling devices. There is relatively little police enforcement of traffic
regulations.
In Barbados,
driving is on the left side of the road. Road conditions on the main
coastal highways are adequate, but may deteriorate rapidly on smaller roads in
the interior. Smaller roads are often narrow with poor visibility, particularly
on curves. These roads are also generally not marked; informal signs at road
junctions, particularly on small inland roads, are often the only way to find your
way to your destination. In Barbados, be mindful while driving through puddles
of water to not inadvertently splash pedestrians as this act is illegal and may
result in a fine.
In the
British Virgin Islands, driving is on the left side of the
road. The law requires seatbelt use. Cell phone use while driving
is illegal. Road signs are limited and drivers often fail to yield to
pedestrians, even at painted crosswalks. Speeding and reckless driving
are common. Drivers can encounter nighttime drag racing on main
thoroughfares and livestock on roads both day and night. Roads in Tortola's interior
can be steep and extremely slippery when wet. Travelers planning to drive
across the island should consider four-wheel drive vehicles and ensure that
tires and brakes are in good operating condition.
In Dominica,
driving is on the left side of the road. Driving requires a local
temporary driver’s license, available for purchase at car rental offices
or from the Traffic Department in Roseau. While much of the country’s road
infrastructure is restored since the 2017 hurricane season, some
secondary roads remain in very rough condition. Public transportation and
services may not be running at full capacity, and travel around parts of the
island may be difficult.
In Grenada, Driving
is on the left side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory; authorities may
fine violators EC$1,000 (US$400) for noncompliance. In an accident, you
may receive a fine if you do not have a local driver’s license,
regardless of who is at fault. Vehicle rental companies may assist in applying
for a temporary driver’s license.
In Montserrat,
driving is on the left side of the road. For specific information
concerning Montserrat driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and
mandatory insurance, visit the Montserrat Tourist Board website.
In Saint
Kitts & Nevis, Driving is on the left side of the road.
Travelers must obtain a Visitor's Driver’s License, available from
the Traffic Department or the Fire Station for a small fee on presentation of a
valid home or international license.
In Saint Lucia, driving
is on the left side of the road. A local temporary driver's license is mandatory,
and available for purchase at all car rental offices and from the
Transportation Office in Gros Islet.
The
roads in the French West Indies are the best in the Eastern Caribbean. Driving
is on the right side of the road. Roads are well paved and well
maintained. Main roads are well marked; secondary roads and tourist sites are
adequately marked. Excellent maps are available and local residents are
helpful. Both Martinique and Guadeloupe have
expressways. The police enforce traffic safety. Night driving can be
dangerous, especially in the mountains and on winding rural roads.
Children under 12 may not sit in the front seat. Authorities
strictly enforce seatbelt laws
In Saint
Vincent & the Grenadines, driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
There is relatively little police enforcement of traffic regulations. Major
roads are in average to poor condition, and you may encounter wandering animals
and slow moving heavy equipment. Drivers often stop in the middle of the
roadway without warning. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you and watch for signs of sudden braking. Automobiles may lack
working safety and signaling devices.
If you
become involved in a vehicle accident, do not move vehicles unless absolutely
necessary, remain calm, call police, call insurance or rental company, standby
for insurance adjuster/or rental company representative, and wait to move
vehicles until instructed by authorities. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s
webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
Antigua
& Barbuda has buses and vans that are frequently crowded and may travel
at excessive speeds. Make certain that taxi drivers are licensed and are
members of the official taxi association. Unlicensed taxi operators have
extorted money from passengers, despite having agreed to a fare
beforehand. This can sometimes amount to double or triple the agreed-upon
fare.
Barbados operates
a public transportation system whose large blue and yellow buses operate on a
routine schedule. Buses may stop only at designated stops on assigned routes,
which are clearly marked. There are also smaller, privately owned buses in
Barbados. These transit buses are frequently involved in vehicle accidents as
they speed through traffic, and often stop without notice in order to pick up
or drop off passengers. Use licensed taxis. Negotiate the price before the trip
to avoid inflated fares.
In Grenada,
exercise appropriate caution after dark when using buses or taxis. Take taxis
to and from restaurants and ask whether the driver is a member of the Grenada
Taxi Association (GTA). GTA members must pass additional driving
tests and receive training from the Grenada Tourism Board. They are generally
reliable and knowledgeable about the country and its attractions.
In the
French West Indies, public transportation consists of taxis, vans, and
buses, all of which are relatively safe. The 2017 hurricane season
affected infrastructure heavily, particularly in French Saint Martin
and Saint Barthélemy. Public transportation and services still may not be
running at full capacity, and travel around the islands may be difficult.
In the
British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint
Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the
Grenadines, public transportation consists of mini-buses and taxis.
Established, reasonable fares are available from airport dispatchers and local
hotels.
Throughout
the region, small boat owners may offer to take you to between islands. Before
accepting, check to be sure that the boat carries life preservers and a
radio. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and
Overnights.
Aviation / Airport Conditions
Grantley
Adams Airport (BGI) is the international airport of Barbados. BGI is the only
designated port of entry for persons arriving or departing by air in Barbados
and operates as a major gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Presently, there are
over 40 flights a week departing from the various airports in the United States
to Barbados carrying nearly 300,000 passengers a year to the island. The
screening equipment is sufficient and meets international standards for the
screening of passengers, carry-on baggage, hold baggage, and liquids. The USG
is working with BGI to consider the procurement of enhanced screening equipment
for liquids, which would facilitate the transport of liquids over the 3.4oz
restrictions.
Regional
airports serving over one million passengers annually include Pointe-à-Pitre
International Airport in Guadeloupe (PTP), BGI, and Aimé Césaire International
Airport in Martinique (FDF).
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bridgetown
as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or
affecting official U.S. government interests. There is minimal risk from
terrorism in the region. Though specific terrorism reporting from the
Eastern Caribbean remains relatively low, the region has several
vulnerabilities that terrorist elements could exploit, such
as porous borders, established narcotic and alien smuggling routes, and
limited counter-terrorism capabilities. The exploitation of one of these vulnerabilities
could have serious implications for U.S. border security, U.S. organizations
based in the Caribbean, and the Caribbean tourism trade in general.
Notably,
the threat of terrorism out of neighboring Trinidad & Tobago remains a
regional concern, given the foiled ISIS terrorist attack during Carnival in 2018,
as well as the number of Trinidadians who have traveled to Syria and Iraq in
recent years to fight alongside ISIS. Their return as foreign fighters and the
general freedom of travel between the countries of the Eastern Caribbean
continues to pose a security challenge to regional stability. The U.S. Embassy
continues to work with its regional counterparts to develop and implement
counter-terrorism strategies and capabilities.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
U.S. travelers and organizations
in the Eastern Caribbean have not been the focus of terrorist actions or
political violence. Peaceful protests are rare
and do not target U.S. interests.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bridgetown
as being a LOW-threat location for political violence
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The islands of the Eastern Caribbean
are peaceful and have experienced little political violence or revolution. The
political climates are stable, with little threat of political violence. Labor
riots in the 1930s were the last major event to transcend the entire region. The
last major political incident in the region occurred in 1983, when a military
coup took place in Grenada, leading to a U.S.-led military intervention.
While violent
public protests and demonstrations are rare in the Eastern Caribbean, there
were two bouts of civil unrest at the end of 2019. Starting in November,
political violence flared in Dominica, reaching a point where roadblocks
affecting the airport and port canceled flights and cruise ship visits; the
State Department raised its Travel Advisory Level for Dominica at that time to
Level 2, where it remains as of the writing of this report. And in December, there
was a short period of civil unrest in French Saint Martin. During this period,
protest activity and roadblocks (as a result of water quality issues and the
implementation of post-2017 hurricane rebuilding efforts) affected tourists in
Saint Martin as well as adjacent Dutch Sint Maarten. Outside of this activity,
very little civil unrest occurs throughout the islands. Most civil unrest is
connected to labor issues, which are usually settled by union and government
intervention.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
The
Eastern Caribbean is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, with the season
lasting from June through November. The most recent hurricanes to strike the
Eastern Caribbean were Hurricanes Irma and Maria, in the summer of 2017. Within
this report’s area of responsibility, Irma struck the islands of Antigua &
Barbuda most heavily, causing severe damage to nearly every structure on Barbuda,
and destroying the utilities infrastructure. Hurricane Maria arrived just weeks
later, making landfall on Dominica and leaving the island with only sporadic
electricity and water for months. While hurricane-force winds caused much of
the damage in these instances, even storms without such powerful winds can
cause extensive flooding damage through sheer quantity of rainfall due largely
to inadequate drainage infrastructure.
The
most recent, notable earthquake in the region occurred in 2015in Barbados. The
5.7-magnitude earthquake caused no reported damage or casualties, and was felt
on nearby St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Martinique. According to the U.S.
Geological Survey, the last significant earthquake in the region occurred in 2007,
30 miles northwest of Martinique. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake caused one
fatality.
Grenada
has the only known submarine volcano (Kick 'em Jenny) in the region,
located five miles offshore. The first recorded eruption occurred in 1939. Studies
dating back to 1972 indicate that minor eruptions have been occurring on a regular
basis, and that the summit of the volcano is growing at a rate of approximately
four meters (13 feet) per year. The potential hazard of Kick 'em Jenny to
Grenada and the rest of the Eastern Caribbean comes in the form of tsunamis,
should a major, underwater volcanic eruption occur.
Economic Concerns
There
are no specific economic / intellectual property thefts within the Eastern
Caribbean. Strong intellectual property regulation is foreign to the Caribbean;
enforcement is relatively weak.
Privacy Concerns
There
is a relatively low risk of privacy concerns in the Eastern Caribbean; however,
the growth of Internet usage and social media has raised concerns about privacy
of citizens. Individuals visiting or working in the Eastern Caribbean are
reminded to be careful with the information they share online.
Personal Identity Concerns
Antigua
& Barbuda:
Consensual
same-sex sexual activity between adult men is illegal under indecency statutes
and carries a maximum penalty of 15 years. Local law does not extend spousal
rights or privileges to LGBT individuals married outside of the
country.
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for
persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and
will only occasionally have ramps or curb cuts at intersections. Pedestrian
crossings are also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do
not have special accommodations.
Barbados:
Same-sex
sexual relations, even when consensual, are illegal in Barbados.
Although this law is rarely enforced, potential penalties include life
imprisonment.
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for
persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and
will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are
also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have
special accommodations. The Town and Country Planning Department set
provisions for all public buildings to include accessibility infrastructure. As
a result, many new buildings have ramps, reserved parking, and special sanitary
facilities.
British
Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and Montserrat:
There
are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of
LGBTI events in the British Virgin Islands.
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths and transportation is extremely difficult for
persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and
will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are
also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have
special accommodations.
Dominica:
Consensual
same-sex conduct is illegal, and no laws prohibit discrimination against a
person based on sexual orientation. There are no legal impediments to
organizations for LGBTI persons.
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths and transportation is extremely difficult for
persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and will
only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are also
very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have special
accommodations.
French
West Indies:
There
are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of
LGBTI events in the French West Indies.
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths and transportation is extremely difficult for
persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and
will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are
also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have
special accommodations.
Grenada:
Grenadian
law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activities between men, with potential
penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment. Prosecutions based on these laws are rare.
Grenadian society is generally intolerant of same-sex sexual conduct.
Individuals
with mobility issues may find accessibility difficult. Although the law does
not mandate access to public buildings or services, building owners
increasingly incorporate accessibility access into new construction and
renovated premises. Since public transportation is private, the law does not
mandate any special consideration for individuals with mobility issues.
Saint
Kitts & Nevis:
The
law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity between men, which carries
a penalty up to 10 years in prison, but there is relaxed enforcement of this
law. The law does not prohibit sexual activity between women. There are no laws
that prohibit discrimination against a person based on sexual orientation or
gender identity.
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths and transportation is extremely difficult for persons
with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and will only
occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are also very
infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have special
accommodations.
Saint
Lucia:
Consensual
same-sex sexual activity is illegal, with penalties up to 10 years in prison.
No legislation protects persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation
or gender identity.
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for
persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and
will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are
also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have
special accommodations.
Saint
Vincent & the Grenadines:
Consensual
same-sex sexual activity is illegal, with penalties up to 10 years in prison.
No legislation protects persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation
or gender identity
Access
to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for
persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and
will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are
also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have
special accommodations.
Review
the State Department’s webpages on security for female travelers, LGBTI+ travelers,
and travelers with disabilities. Review OSAC’s
report, Freedom to Practice,
and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Drug-related
Crimes
Many
tourists report being harassed by individuals attempting to sell illegal
narcotics. In years past, there have been a few cases where U.S. tourists
alleged that they were victims of a “date rape” drug (e.g.
as rohypnol (“roofies”), PCP, scopolamine), reporting that the drug
was slipped into their drinks or food in furtherance of criminal activity. Do
not leave drinks or food unattended while at public venues. All Eastern
Caribbean nations and territories have laws prohibiting the purchase,
possession, transportation, sale, or use of illegal substances; but effective
enforcement of these laws is somewhat reduced by lack of resources.
While
local drug dealers do get involved in shootings, this type of activity is
localized and not directed at bystanders. Regional countries are primarily drug
transshipment points from South America (e.g. Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and
Venezuela) to Europe, West Africa, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
Kidnapping Threat
Kidnapping
appears to be a relatively rare phenomenon in the Eastern Caribbean,
consistently ranking near the bottom of reported crimes. Review OSAC’s
report, Kidnapping: The Basics.
Other Concerns
It is
illegal in Barbados, even for children, to wear camouflage clothing or carry
items made with camouflage material. Do not enter Barbados with firearms or
ammunition without prior express consent from the Barbados government.
Police Response
The
level of professionalism and quality of service can vary from island to island,
and the level of protection is directly proportional to an incident’s possible
impact on the tourist trade. Areas tourists frequent command a more visible
police presence. The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) response in tourist
areas is usually timely and efficient, but response delays to the non-touristed,
less populated, and rural areas of the islands can be significant. However, the
RBPF enjoys comparatively greater resources than its Eastern Caribbean
neighbors.
Generally,
uniformed police are adequate to have an influence on crime deterrence, but
uniformed police response to alarms or emergency calls are sometimes below U.S.
standard. Police performance and conduct varies from poor to acceptable in
professionalism and training, and regional police organizations have definite
resource/manpower limitations that inhibit their deterrence and response
effectiveness.
Any U.S.
citizen detained or harassed by police or other security services should
immediately contact American Citizen Services (ACS) at the U.S. Embassy in
Barbados during business hours, or the U.S. Embassy duty officer during
non-business hours or holidays.
Police/Security Agencies
Founded
in 1987, the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) promotes
and facilitates law enforcement within 24 Caribbean countries. The ACCP
promotes regional cooperation among the 24 countries to fight crime
through:
1)
Collaboration to develop and implement policing strategies, systems and
procedures;
2) Developing
the professional and technical skills of police officers; and,
3)
Taking proactive measures to prevent crime and improve police community
relations.
Medical Emergencies
Ambulance
service in Barbados can be slow. For minor incidents, proceed immediately
to the emergency room at the FMH Emergency Medical Clinic or Sandy Crest
Medical Center. In the event of a major accident/emergency, await the arrival
of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) ambulance service or contact Island Care
ambulance service at 246-435-9425. There are six ambulances at the QEH and two
at the Barbados Defense Force. Ambulance crews may perform
CPR; they train to administer IVs and other advanced life-support
services.
Ambulance
Service in Barbados: 311
Emergency Medical Service
in the French West Indies, Grenada, Saint Kitts &
Nevis, and Saint Lucia: 911
Emergency
Medical Service in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines: 999
In the
British Virgin Islands, a volunteer organization, Virgin Islands Search
and Rescue (VISAR), responds 24-hrs/day to medical emergencies at sea or on the
outer islands. VISAR transports casualties to the nearest point for transfer to
ambulance. Reach VISAR at SOS (767) or
call on Marine Channel 16.
Medical
transport in Saint Kitts & Nevis can take hours to respond.
There
is limited ambulance service on most Dominica; sea rescue service is
available at the North end of the island.
Medical
facilities in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, the British
Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts
& Nevis, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines do not meet U.S.
standards. The U.S. Embassy in Barbados maintains webpage with a list of medical facilities and physicians by country
for those needing medical care.
The
following diseases are prevalent: Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. The CDC
offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Barbados, Grenada,
and Saint
Lucia.
Carefully
assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your
physical capabilities and skills. Never venture out alone, particularly at
isolated beaches or far out to sea. Avoid entering the water above your waist
if you have been drinking, and always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in
the area.
Dominica
has an operational hyperbaric chamber; Saint Kitts has two. Hyperbaric chambers
are available in Guadeloupe at the
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Abymes, and in Martinique at
the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Fort de France. There is no
hyperbaric chamber in Antigua & Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, or
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines; divers requiring treatment for
decompression illness must evacuate from the country. Consider purchasing
medical evacuation (medevac) insurance prior to your travel to the region.
Individual medevac without insurance could cost tens of thousands of
dollars.
OSAC Country Council Information
The Bridgetown Country
Council is active and meets quarterly. Interested private-sector
security managers should contact OSAC’s Americas Team with any questions.
U.S. Embassy Contact Information
U.S.
Embassy in Barbados: Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael 14006. Tel 1-246-227-4399,
Emergency 1-246-227-4000, BridgetownACS@state.gov,
http://bb.usembassy.gov.
U.S.
Embassy in Grenada: L’Anse aux Epines Main Road, St. George. Tel: 1-473-444-1173/4/5/6,
Emergency 1-473-407-2495, StGeorgesACS@state.gov.
Helpful Information
Before
you travel, consider the following resources:
·
OSAC Risk Matrix
·
OSAC Travelers
Toolkit
·
State Department
Traveler’s Checklist
·
Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP)