For the second time in recent weeks, the State Department has warned Americans to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica, citing an increase in crime in another Caribbean island nation.
The alert, issued on January 23, is equivalent to a Level 3 advisory, one level below the “do not travel” advisory.
An advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica states, “Violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and murders are on the rise. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. “It has said.
“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.” “Even when arrests are made, they are rarely prosecuted and sentenced. Families of Americans killed in accidents or homicides wait more than a year before a final death certificate is issued by Jamaican authorities. I have to wait a lot.”
Haitian gangs have been attacking communities for several days, and residents fear the violence will escalate.
The United States recently issued a travel warning for Jamaica following a spike in homicides. (Ross McDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images/File)
According to data released by the Jamaican Police Force, there have been 65 murders in Jamaica since the new year. The number of killings falls short of the 81 people reported during the same period in 2023.
The latest warning comes amid a spike in murders. bahamas The U.S. Embassy in Nassau last week issued a warning and travel advisory for U.S. travelers, citing 18 murders in Nassau since the new year.
“Homicide happens at all hours of the day, including on the streets in broad daylight,” the warning reads. “Retaliatory gang violence will be the main motive for murders in 2024.”
A Level 2 advisory was issued on Friday, warning visitors to take extra precautions.
The State Department said Jamaica’s murder rate has consistently been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere for several years. U.S. citizens visiting the islands are required to purchase travel insurance, including medical evaluation insurance.
US issues travel warning for Bahamas due to spike in murders since New Year
montego bay, jamaica (Will Tourt/Jamaica Tourism Board/DPA/File)
In response to the rise in crime, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said authorities would erect barricades and launch more crimes. police actionreported the Nassau Guardian.
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“We will not violate anyone’s civil liberties, but we may be subject to further road closures and unannounced police action,” he said. “While this may cause us to miss appointments or delay planned plans, we will reap the collective benefit of safer streets and less destruction of our lives by murders and other violent crimes.” If you think about it, that’s a small price to pay.”
