US tells citizens to avoid Jamaica as murders increase

(CMR) With close to 600 people killed in the first five months of 2022 in Jamaica, the United States government has urged citizens not to travel to the island due to the high level of crime.

Up to 23 May, Jamaica had 574 murders, 35 more murders than for the corresponding period in 2021.

According to a Level 3 warning, which advised citizens against traveling to Jamaica, the state department urged citizens not to go to sections of Clarendon, Hanover,  Kingston and St. Andrew Parish, St James, St Ann, St Catherine, and Westmoreland due to crime.

The advisory stated that violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. It went on to add that sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

“Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Emergency services vary throughout the island, and response times may vary from U.S. standards,” the advisory stated.

It also noted that the homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to some areas, using public buses, and driving outside of prescribed Kingston regions at night.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also determined Jamaica has a high level of COVID-19.

Persons who visit Jamaica are urged to avoid walking or driving at night, public buses, and secluded places or situations.

Citizens are also encouraged not to physically resist any robbery attempt, to be aware of their surroundings, and keep a low profile.

The advisory explained the risks associated with the parish listed. It stated that violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Clarendon Parish and encouraged citizens to avoid the parish except passing through using the T1 and A2 highways.

The advisory said that violence and shootings also occur regularly in some areas of Hanover Parish, warning citizens to avoid Logwood and Orange Bay.

Citizens are also urged to avoid areas in Kingston and St Andrew:  Cassava Piece, Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.

They are also encouraged to avoid Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, and August Town.