thebahamasweekly.com - Bahamians in Missouri Urged to "Avoid Problems" with Michael Brown Verdict

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

International
Bahamians in Missouri Urged to "Avoid Problems" with Michael Brown Verdict
By Arthia Nixon for Bahamas Consul General’s Office of Atlanta
Nov 11, 2014 - 6:11:00 PM

Atlanta, Georgia - While James Knowles, Mayor of Ferguson, Missouri has told media to "prepare for the worst", Bahamas Consul General Randy E. Rolle is advising Bahamians to avoid areas that may experience high tensions in the wake of the Michael Brown verdict.

Brown, a black teen was shot by a white police officer in Ferguson in August 2014. Those events have led to several riots, a State of Emergency being declared and high racial tensions. Protests have been held in several U.S. cities, including Atlanta where Rolle is based.

"I am advising all Bahamians to please maintain law and order and to avoid getting caught up in the confusion," said Rolle. "There have been incidents where police and protesters clashed violently. There have been reports where persons were hospitalized, shot at and even died. I want to remind Bahamians, especially students to stay on campus and to please stay away from areas that could get potentially dangerous. While I understand emotions are high and there are people who want their voices heard, I also understand the importance of not putting oneself in harm's way in the first place."

"My office is on alert to pay special attention to activities in the area," said Rolle. "We ask all Bahamians to please avoid any conflicts and to mind what they say in this US judicial matter. If you are a student especially, please stay on your campus. Even if you are not participating in any protests, avoid areas where protesters and rioters may gather."

"It's not going to be about Ferguson," Mayor Knowles said earlier this week. "The threats that are out there are threats across the region. Our expectation is that demonstrations will probably break out in several places."

"I think you have to prepare for the worst, but I think we all hope the best out of people," Knowles told media. "I don't believe that there is even a small fraction of residents in the city of Ferguson who want to do any damage or harm to any other residents or to any businesses... the concern would be who comes (from) outside the area."