By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Regional and U.S. authorities are sounding a loud alarm: Haiti is unsafe for travel.

July 17, 2025 – In two back-to-back warnings, the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State have advised their citizens against travel to Haiti, citing kidnapping, terrorism, gang violence, mob justice, civil unrest, and a failing healthcare system.

The U.S. Department of State’s Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, reissued this week, includes a new terrorism indicator and leaves no ambiguity: “Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.” Since July 2023, non-emergency U.S. personnel and their families have been ordered out of the country.

According to the alert, kidnapping is widespread, including against U.S. citizens, who in some cases have been injured or killed. Victims have been targeted during routine activities or ambushed in convoys, with families forced to pay ransom demands ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The advisory also warns of mob killings and vigilante-style executions, where crowds have publicly assaulted individuals suspected of committing crimes.

Bahamian Advisory Adds Context for Caribbean Citizens

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its updated travel guidance earlier this week, urging Bahamian citizens to reconsider any travel to Haiti and take “extreme precautions” if already in-country.

Citizens are advised to:

• Stockpile essentials (food, water, fuel)
• Avoid walking, driving, or using public transport—especially at night
• Use secure vehicles with locked doors and tinted windows

State of Emergency and Rogue Law Enforcement

Haiti remains under a state of emergency declared in March 2024. Protests, civil unrest, and attacks on public infrastructure are frequent. The advisory notes that police presence is unreliable, and rogue elements of the Haitian National Police (PNH) may be operating. Travelers are cautioned to exercise extreme care when approached by law enforcement, or when navigating official roadblocks.

Firearms and Crime

Guns are widespread, and crimes involving firearms—including robberies, carjackings, and sexual assaults—are common. Citizens are warned not to attempt to procure or supply firearms under any pretext. Gunfire at night and isolated beaches should be avoided due to criminal activity.

Health Risks and Limited Care

Healthcare is described as dangerously limited. Hospitals are often closed due to unrest or attacks, and under-equipped when open. Payment is required upfront, even with insurance. Bahamian citizens are urged to secure emergency evacuation insurance.

There is an active cholera outbreak (since 2022), and risks remain high for malaria, dengue, chikungunya, zika, and other vector-borne diseases. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A/B, cholera, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.

Legal and Border Controls

Travelers are reminded to carry proper identification. Failure to produce legal status may result in detention or fines. The possession of cannabis or controlled substances carries 1–15 years imprisonment, and foreigners risk deportation. Agricultural goods and endangered species such as conch require proper documentation to avoid fines of up to $10,000 USD.

Natural Disasters

The advisory also reminds the public that Haiti is vulnerable to hurricanes during the June–November season, and remains seismically active, with earthquake and tsunami risks in coastal regions.

Final Guidance

While The Bahamas and Haiti share cultural ties, both governments warn that anyone perceived as foreign or affluent may be at risk, regardless of race or heritage.

Citizens currently in Haiti are urged to:

• Remain indoors after dark
• Monitor trusted local media
• Comply with curfews and evacuation orders
• Register with the nearest Bahamian or allied embassy

The travel alerts remain in effect until further notice.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (July 17, 2025) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced that Barbados will host the 2025 edition of its flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), taking place from September 30 to October 3, 2025 at Hilton Barbados Resort.

The annual gathering — widely regarded as the premier forum for shaping the future of Caribbean tourism — will bring together government ministers, tourism executives, international partners, media, students and stakeholders from across the region and beyond for high-level discussions on industry trends, research, policy and investment.

The 2025 conference will be held under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead”, focusing on data-driven strategies and practical pathways to strengthen the region’s global competitiveness and sustainability. The conference will feature the annual Regional Tourism Youth Congress, engaging “Junior Ministers of Tourism” from CTO member countries and territories.

New areas of focus at this year’s conference include in-depth conversations around sports tourism, medical tourism, and health and wellness — sectors that offer significant growth potential and align with global shifts in traveler preferences. These sessions will explore how destinations can diversify their offerings, attract new markets, and create more resilient and inclusive tourism economies.

“Barbados offers an ideal setting for this forward-looking dialogue on Caribbean tourism,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO. “As we reimagine the future of our sector, we must ground our strategies in solid research, ensure our actions are relevant to today’s traveler, and work together on a clear roadmap for what lies ahead.”

The conference is being hosted in partnership with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., with support from both public and private sector stakeholders across the island.

“As the host destination and headquarters of CTO, Barbados is proud to welcome the region’s tourism leaders for this timely exchange,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. and Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors. “The theme of this year’s conference speaks to the heart of our mission — to advance tourism that is informed, inclusive and impactful. We look forward to meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes.”

SOTIC 2025 will feature inspiring addresses, expert panels, data presentations, workshops and networking sessions designed to chart a progressive course for Caribbean tourism. It will also provide updates on CTO’s “Reimagine 2025–2027” strategic plan, which is currently being rolled out to support regional transformation and collaboration.

Details on registration, accommodations, and sponsorship opportunities are currently being updated at https://www.onecaribbean.org/sotic-2025.

Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 14, 2025 – The Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from 6-8 July under the chairmanship of Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Members of the Conference in attendance were: Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of  The Bahamas; Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados;  Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize;  His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; His Excellency Laurent Saint-Cyr, Councillor-President, Member of the Transitional Presidential Council, Haiti; Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica;  Honourable Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, Federation of St Kitts and Nevis; and Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Energy represented the Commonwealth of Dominica; Honourable Joseph  Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development represented Grenada; Honourable Veronica Dorsette Hector, Deputy Premier, represented Montserrat;  Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs  represented Saint Lucia; His Excellency Steven MacAndrew, Minister of Labour, Employment Opportunity and Youth Affairs represented the Republic of Suriname; Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs,represented the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Associate Members in attendance were Honourable E David Burt, Premier of Bermuda; Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands, His Excellency Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister of Curacao; and Honourable Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James. The event featured remarks by leaders of the Community, and cultural items from several Jamaican performers. There was also a Declaration of solidarity from the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors for Jamaica which underscored their preparedness and desire to support the leaders of the Region in its development, prioritizing creativity, innovation and technology.

In her remarks, CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett noted that the collective action of CARICOM Member States has delivered many commendable results for the people of the Region, in human and social development, economic integration, foreign policy coordination, and security, which provide a useful roadmap for the way forward.

“Unprecedented global uncertainty, economic pressures, technological innovations that challenge our capacity to keep pace, climate vulnerability, and the needs of our young people, our women and future generations, compel us to act collectively, with courage and with conviction,” the Secretary-General said.

Prime Minister of Barbados and Outgoing Chair, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley noted that CARICOM has seen many challenges and urged the gathering to persevere and persist in efforts to advance and strengthen integration. Quoting from popular Jamaican artiste, Jimmy Cliff, she said “We can get it if we really want, but we must try and try and try.”

She pointed to support for Haiti, efforts to control disinformation, and the need to tackle crime and enhance citizen security, as some of the critical issues which the Community must continue to address.  “We must be resolute in preserving CARICOM as a Zone of Peace and reaffirm our commitment to working with the international community to promote de-escalation, uphold diplomacy, and pursue lasting solutions grounded in dialogue and mutual respect”.

In his remarks, the new Chair, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness said his Chairmanship would focus on regional security, especially as it relates to transnational organised crime and gangs, noting that it is critical that a global war on gangs be declared similar to the war on terror. The Prime Minister called for concerted action to dismantle criminal networks and cripple their resources.

“Our theme: People, Partnerships and Prosperity – Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future” captures the essence of our regional purpose. It reflects a profound truth, that security and resilience are not optional; they are foundations for prosperity; that people-centered development and strategic partnerships are not aspirational, but essential,” the Prime Minister said.

He cited climate justice and climate finance, mobilizing support for Haiti, and strengthening internal coordination and external partnerships as critical to the ongoing work of the Community. Prime Minister Holness also stressed the importance of engaging young people in shaping the decisions that affect their future. He reminded that it was important to engage them in a deliberate, sustained and meaningful manner.

The opening ceremony can be viewed at: https://caricom.org/49hgc/

The COMMUNIQUE in its entirety can be read here: Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community