US Consulate: “Urge Citizens To Avoid Areas”
The U.S. Consulate alerted U.S. citizens to “continuing protests in Hamilton” and said while the “demonstrations have been largely peaceful” they “urge citizens to avoid areas of demonstrations, and ask that they exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”
The statement said, “The U.S. Consulate General in Hamilton alerts U.S. citizens to continuing protests in Hamilton over the Government of Bermuda’s proposed law that would grant status and permanent residency to current non-Bermudian residents who have lived in Bermuda for extended periods.
“Protests began on March 11 and have continued over the past four days. The demonstrations have been largely peaceful, but as general guidance, we urge citizens to avoid areas of demonstrations, and ask that they exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
People marching in Hamilton at around 5pm today:
“We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Bermuda enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program [STEP] at http://www.travel.state.gov/. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
“You can also regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Ukraine. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.
“Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday [except U.S. federal holidays]. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
“The U.S. Consulate in Bermuda is located at 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, and is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., +441-295-1342. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the main number also serves as the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate in Bermuda.”
