Bahamas, The
The Bahamas, an archipelago of 700 islands and islets, is a former British colony and now a Commonwealth member. The country is a major center for offshore finance and has one of the world's largest open-registry shipping fleets. The economy is dependent on tourism and banking; the huge growth in the services sector of the economy has prompted people to leave fishing and farming villages for the commercial centers in New Providence Island, Grand Bahama and Great Abaco. As with other Caribbean countries, The Bahamas faces the challenge of tackling drugs trafficking and illegal immigration (notably from Haiti). It has taken steps to clean up its offshore banking system.
The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, represented by a Governor-General, while the Prime Minister is Perry Christie. He took office in May 2002. His Liberal Progressive Party has been the dominant party in Bahamian politics since independence, winning every election from 1973 through to the 1992 poll when voters rejected a government accused of corruption and drug trafficking.
The next general elections are due to be held by June 2007.
Most visits are trouble free, but crime is a concern (see below).
Labor strikes and protests have become more common in recent years, causing some disruptions for travelers.
The hurricane season in the Bahamas normally runs from June to November.
The water sports and scooter rental industries in the Bahamas are not carefully regulated. Rent equipment only from reputable operators, and insist on sufficient training before using the equipment. Every year, people are killed or injured by the improper use of scooters, jet-skis, and personal watercraft or by the careless or reckless operation of such equipment by others. You should insist on seeing proof that operators have sufficient medical and liability insurance. You may wish to invest in low-cost traveler’s insurance that includes medical evacuation, as some insurance companies do not cover this.
