With more than 40 murders reported in Jamaica since the start of the year, the US State Department has posted a travel advisory warning Americans to exercise increased caution in the country due to crime.
The advisory, which was placed on the Department’s website yesterday, says some areas have increased risk. The Department warned US citizens not to travel to some areas of Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay.
It said violent crime, such as home invasions, armed robberies, and homicide, is common, sexual assaults occur frequently, even at all-inclusive resorts, and Jamaican police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes. U.S. Government personnel have been prohibited from driving outside of Kingston at night.
As it relates to Kingston, the State Department says violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travelling between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road; south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, Arnett Gardens; Standpipe, Grants Pen, and Cassava Piece.
The Department highlighted that violence and shootings occur regularly in Spanish Town.
Concerning Montego Bay, the State Department says violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of the city.
U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travelling to Flanker, Canterbury, Norwood, Rose Heights, Clavers Street as well as Hart Street.
