The Grenadian government has issued a robust response to the United States’ updated travel advisory, firmly maintaining the Caribbean nation’s status as a secure destination despite heightened warnings from American authorities. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s administration launched a comprehensive defense of the country’s security infrastructure, directly addressing the U.S. State Department’s decision to elevate Grenada to Level 2 status, which advises visitors to ‘exercise increased caution’ due to crime risks.
The U.S. advisory, released Tuesday, cited concerning statistics including armed robberies, assaults, burglaries, and sexual assaults affecting American citizens, with some cases resulting in fatalities. The warning specifically noted that police response times ‘are not as fast as one may expect in the United States.’
In sharp contrast, the Grenadian government presented compelling data showing the nation maintains one of the region’s lowest crime rates at approximately 4 incidents per 100,000 people. Officials emphasized Grenada’s ‘strong record of public safety, social stability, and effective law enforcement,’ highlighting the significant population of U.S. citizens who permanently reside, work, study, and invest in the tri-island state without security concerns.
The government statement detailed the Royal Grenada Police Force’s ‘robust systems for rapid response’ and ‘strong crime solvency rates,’ underscoring institutional capabilities that ensure continued public safety. Through close collaboration among law enforcement agencies, ongoing investment in public safety infrastructure, and strong regional and international partnerships, Grenada maintains its commitment to treating security as a ‘national priority.’
Tourism officials noted that hundreds of thousands of visitors experience Grenada’s ‘renowned hospitality, rich culture, and world-class tourism offerings’ annually, with the sector operating under rigorously maintained safety protocols. The government reaffirmed its ‘open lines of communication and continued security cooperation’ with international partners including the United States, while maintaining that Level 2 represents a ‘relatively low’ risk classification within the State Department’s four-tier advisory system.
Contextualizing the advisory, Grenada joins the Bahamas at Level 2, while neighboring Caribbean destinations including Barbados and Dominica maintain Level 1 status, indicating standard precautions for travelers.