NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The Bahamas government is expressing “regret and concern” after a United States Embassy staff had been robbed while on her way to church on Sunday.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not identify the “diplomat” saying only that “the government of The Bahamas deplores this and all acts of criminality in the strongest terms and the matter has been communicated to the Ministry of National Security for an immediate and full investigation.

“The public is assured that the appropriate steps are being taken by the government to pursue the perpetrator,” the statement added.

Last month, the United States Embassy urged American nationals travelling to The Bahamas to be wary of the crime situation in the country after a US citizen was shot and killed during an armed robbery.

The US Embassy said that more than 40 people had been murdered since the start of the year and that US citizens “residing in and travelling to The Bahamas, to be aware of their surroundings and remain on heightened alert to avoid being a victim of crime”.

It said that “armed robbery remains a major threat facing US citizens in The Bahamas” and that since the start of the year “a number of US citizens have fallen victim to armed robbery with some having been seriously injured in the commission of these crimes”.

Tourism is a major contributor to The Bahamas’ economy.