NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper informed Parliament on Thursday that international reports regarding the country’s crime wave have diminished, with 90 percent of the coverage now either positive or neutral.
Cooper said: “I am pleased to report that our monitoring of international news regarding these matters indicates a significant decline, with 90 percent of all stories concerning the Bahamas being either positive or neutral. This reflects our swift crisis communication efforts coupled with our reputation for safe and enjoyable visits. However, we cannot afford complacency. It is imperative that we continue to collaborate as a community to curb this wave of crime.”
Back in January, the United States and Canada issued travel advisories warning their citizens traveling to The Bahamas over the uptick in violent crime, particularly murder.
Cooper also noted that the government plans to go after the multi-billion fly fishing industry “in a big way” and has retained a local consultant in that space.
Cooper said: “Flyfishing is a $2 billion industry and we have retained a Bahamain consultant in this space and we are going after this business in a big way. We are bringing big support for this industry in a massive way. Fishing guides are making thousands of dollars a day in some instances.”
Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) president Prescott Smith previously told Eyewitness News that The Bahamas has lost billions in revenue having failed to properly capitalize on its flats fishing industry. Smith argued that there should be a minimum of 1,600 professional guides in the country. In its 2023 Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: U.S. Congressional Districts report released earlier this month, the ASA noted that the US has 52.4 million anglers who contribute $148 billion in economic output, and support 945,500 jobs across the entire country, while also contributing $1.8 billion towards conservation.
Jobs supported by the industry include the manufacturing and sales of fishing equipment and gear, recreational fishing also supports jobs in additional industries, such as hotel lodging, restaurants, charter boat trips, and more.
