Jamaica News, January 11, 2018
United States (McKoy’s news) – United States Travel Advisory Scale: Jamaica was yesterday classified as ‘Level 2’ on the United States travel advisory scale, which warns Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting the island due to the country’s high crime rate.
Specific zones in Kingston, Spanish Town, and St James were singled out as the most crime-ridden within the country.
The advisory likewise stated that brutal crimes such as armed robberies, home invasions, and homicides were prevalent and that sexual assaults are common occurrences even at all-inclusive resorts. Additionally, the advisory emphasized that the Jamaican police lacked the ability to respond to serious criminal activity.
The US State Department stated that violence and shootings happen frequently in Kingston and advised US government personnel not to travel to downtown Kingston, especially areas such as Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, Arnett Gardens, Grants Pen, Cassava Piece, and Standpipe.
The State Department also prohibited US government personnel from traveling to Spanish Town and to areas in Montego Bay such as Flankers, Canterbury, Norwood, Rose Heights, St Clavers Street, and Hart Street.
In the New US Travel Advisory, Countries are ranked on a scale from one to four based on safety and risk factors.
Regarding Countries ranked at level 1, travelers are warned to “exercise normal precaution”. Level 2, travelers are warned to “ exercise increased caution”. Level 3, travellers are asked to “reconsider travel”. Level 4, travelers are warned, “Do Not Travel”.
