Warden Message: Increased Crime, Jamaica

OSAC.gov ^ | August 7, 2009 | n/a

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report Warden Message: Increased Crime, Jamaica CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS Americas - Jamaica 7 Aug 2009

WARDEN MESSAGE: JAMAICA SECURITY CONCERNS U.S. Embassy Kingston issued the following Warden Message on August 7, 2009:

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens in Jamaica to an increase in armed robbery, break-ins, and larceny on the island as a whole and, in particular, the New Kingston area in the capital. The Embassy also reminds U.S. citizens of the crime information provided in the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.

In part because of the current world-wide economic recession, crime in Jamaica, and especially in Kingston, has risen substantially. American citizens living in or visiting Jamaica should use caution, be aware of their surroundings, and take these recommendations into account when planning activities, especially if visiting the New

Kingston area:

- Travel in groups - Keep windows up and doors locked while in a vehicle - Do not walk alone, especially after dark - Do not take shortcuts through alleyways; walk on main streets - Do not leave valuables in a vehicle - Park vehicles in garages with security services - Do not show off jewelry - Do conceal cell phones - Do cooperate with the perpetrators – robbery victims have been assaulted and, in some cases, killed when they attempted to resist

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://kingston.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for living and/or traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also register by visiting the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or our consular agencies in Montego Bay and Georgetown, Cayman Islands, during business hours.

Emergencies involving American citizens can be reported by contacting the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, telephone (876) 702-6000; after hours emergency telephone (876) 702-6000; Consular Section fax (876) 702-6018; and e-mail at KingstonACS@state.gov. The U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay is located at St. James Place, Second Floor, Gloucester Avenue, telephone (876) 952-0160. The U.S. Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 118 Dorcy Drive, Suite B-1, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, telephone (345) 945-8173.

RELATED REPORTS 9 May 2009 WARDEN MESSAGE: POTENTIAL JAMAICAN CONSTABULARY FORCE PROTEST 28 Apr 2009 WARDEN MESSAGE: JAMAICA POLITICAL UNREST 23 Apr 2009

[elcid1970]

G. Gordon Liddy warned us years ago to stay away from Jamaica. They hate white people.

[clashfan]

I have lived in Jamaica. You’re spreading rumor and lies about a wonderful people.

[Blue Jays]

No thanks....I'll stay here in the United States during any upcoming vacations.
Areas outside of the main tourist district have to be an utter nightmare.

[Eaker]

- Travel in groups - Keep windows up and doors locked while in a vehicle - Do not walk alone, especially after dark - Do not take shortcuts through alleyways; walk on main streets - Do not leave valuables in a vehicle - Park vehicles in garages with security services - Do not show off jewelry - Do conceal cell phones - Do cooperate with the perpetrators – robbery victims have been assaulted and, in some cases, killed when they attempted to resist.

Same precautions after dark in most U.S. cities would be wise.

[flash2368]

I was there a few years ago when things were “quiet”, the wife and I were like prisoners trapped in the hotel.

It was a filthy, disgusting place then, I cannot imagine what it is like now.

[sheik yerbouty]

My Trinidadian friends told me Jamaica was to be avoided because of the crime there..

[clashfan]

Sounds as if you were in Kingston. I was on the south coast in Westmoreland living in a local district away from the hotels. It was very nice and I was quite safe.

[SunkenCiv]

So, are you sitting there in your safe European home now? ;’)