Following the violence in Jamaica, the country has declared a new state of emergency. For the third time since 2018, this violence has impacted the entire country and affected tourist zones.
The sought-after Caribbean beach destination has a darker side to its natural wonders and golden-sand beaches as it has one of the highest murder rates in the world. And although it has been ranked as one of the countries with the highest crime rates globally, travelers consider is as a trending destination due to its abolition of post-pandemic entry requirements.
While there haven’t been any reports of tourists being impacted by the violence, there has been an increase in murder cases accredited to gang activity.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced this new State of Emergency (SOE) and how it will come into effect in nine out of 14 parishes. Along with the popular destination of Saint James, other regions affected include Clarendon, Saint Catherine, Westmoreland, Hanover, and Kingston Saint Ann only partially.
The SOE is actually a renewal of the prior SOE which expired in November due to the rising civil unrest and general crime. There have been 120 people killed in Kingston this year while 10 out of 19 police divisions have recorded spikes in violence.
Holness addressed the general public and was quoted that the country is currently is facing ‘some really serious’ criminal threats and ‘all the powers’ at the government’s disposal must be used.
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With the declaration of the SOE, The Department of State as urged Americans to reconsider travel to Jamaica. They also listed parishes and locations as no-go zones and refrain from traveling to other locations such as Downtown Kingston, Grants Pen, Cassava Piece Montego Bay and others.
Jamaica is one of the most popular travel destinations for Americans and travelers must assess risk based on their level of safety. As the average visitor will stay in a tourist complex or an all-inclusive resort and rarely venture off-site to chaotic downtown locations.