The Foreign Office today issued urgent advice about a popular holiday destination for UK tourists and warned of ‘outbursts of violence and shootings’. Officials said that the Jamaican government was putting into place special measures to cope with gangs and explained people going there needed to be aware of the crackdown.
New ‘zones of special operations’ have been created where police and military will swoop to deal with problems – and which would be avoided. The Foreign Office said: “The government can put enhanced security measures in place in response to outbursts of violence and shootings, such as a State of Emergency (SOE) or Zone of Special Operations (ZOSOs). A SOE or ZOSO will have specific boundaries and will temporarily give the police and military additional powers.
“These can include imposing curfews, cordons, searching of persons, vehicles, and places. Curfews can be imposed with little notice and are usually a short-term measure. Tourists and visitors are not usually affected by SOE or ZOZOs. Check locally whether any security measures or curfews apply and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
The official advice on crime on the Caribbean island has also been updated and officials warn: “Crime and homicide rates are high in Jamaica. Gang violence and shootings mostly occur in inner city areas. Tourist areas are not usually affected by gang-related crime and violence.”
The advice includes that people should be cautious particularly when travelling in and around:
- Kingston
- Spanish Town
- Savanna-la-Mar
- parts of Montego Bay including Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem
Protecting yourself and your belongings
The motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery. Take extra care in more run-down areas and those less visited by tourists.
Be aware of your surroundings and:
- do not walk in isolated areas or deserted beaches, even during the day
- travel with others or go on a tour with a reputable company when possible
- be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs. Do not withdraw a lot of money at one time or use ATMs in badly lit areas. It is generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours
- avoid using buses at night
- do not display valuables or leave them in your car
- consider removing expensive jewellery
- stay alert and be wary of people who approach you
- avoid walking at night
- be aware that resisting a robbery could lead to a violent response, including the use of weapons, that could result in physical injury
The Foreign Office said: “Most hotels and resorts are well guarded, but burglaries can occur. Follow hotel security instructions, use hotel safes for your valuables, including your passport, and lock windows and doors. In residential accommodation ensure that proper locks and window grilles are fitted.”
For more advice on Jamaica visit the Foreign Office website here.