Think Twice About Visiting Jamaica Due to Increase in Murders, Says U.S. Travel Advisory

 

The U.S. government has heightened its travel alert for Jamaica in response to a surge in murders, prompting a call for Americans to reconsider visiting the island due to concerns about crime and unreliable medical services. The State Department adjusted the travel advisory to Level 3, just days after issuing a Level 2 warning for the Bahamas, advising increased caution despite recent murders.

These travel advisories come at a time when many Americans are planning and booking vacations for the upcoming year. The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has emphasized the prevalence of violent crimes, including home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides. Notably, sexual assaults are reported to occur frequently, even at all-inclusive resorts.

The embassy expressed reservations about the effectiveness of Jamaican police in responding to serious criminal incidents. Additionally, it highlighted concerns about the reliability of hospitals and ambulances, noting that some private institutions may require upfront payment. The State Department underscored that Jamaica's reported homicide rate has consistently ranked among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

Official statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force revealed 65 homicides between January 1 and January 27, with a decrease from the previous year but an increase in shootings and injuries. The data also showed a significant drop in recorded rapes in January 2024 compared to the previous year. However, a recent report by the Jamaica Gleaner indicated a notable increase in murders, with 19 occurring in the previous week alone.

In the Bahamas, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau reported 18 murders in the capital city since the beginning of the year, emphasizing incidents at all hours and on the streets. Most of these killings were linked to gang violence, prompting a warning for travelers to exercise extreme caution, particularly in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau), and to be vigilant when walking or driving at night.

Despite these travel warnings, tourism remains a vital sector for Jamaica's economy. The Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, expressed optimism in December, anticipating the continuation of the spectacular growth pattern observed in 2022 and 2023. He projected a total of 4,122,100 visitors for January to December 2023, signaling a 23.7% increase over the previous year. Tourism contributed approximately $4.2 billion to Jamaica's economy in 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

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