Canada updates Jamaica travel advisory with serious warning
Canadians with upcoming travel plans to Jamaica may want to read up on the government’s travel advisory for the popular beach destination.
Ottawa updated the travel advisory for the Caribbean island nation on Monday, warning Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to the high level of violent crime.
“Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity,” reads the advisory.
It says the widespread availability of firearms, which are involved in most violent drug and gang-related crimes, could put visitors at risk of being the victims of crossfire in certain areas.
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The advisory lists the following areas in Jamaica for having a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime:
Greater Kingston
- Arnett Gardens
- August Town
- Balmagie
- Cassava Piece
- Delacree Park
- Denham Town
- Drewsland
- Felstead Pen
- Four Miles
- Glendale
- Grant’s Pen
- Greenwich Town
- Hannah Town
- Harbour View
- Hunts Bay
- Jones Town
- Lower Cockburn Gardens
- Maverly
- Mountain View
- Nanse Pen
- Olympic Gardens
- Payneland
- Portmore
- Rennock Lodge
- Riverton City
- Salmagie
- Seaview Gardens
- Tavares Gardens
- Tivoli Gardens
- Tower Hill
- Trench Town
- Waltham Gardens
- West Kingston
- Whitfield Town
St. Catherine
- Central Village
- Ellerslie
- Homestead
- Ravensworth
- Spanish Town
- Tawes Pen
Montego Bay
- Bottom Pen
- Canterbury
- Flankers
- Hart Street
- Mount Salem
- Norwood Gardens
- Rose Heights
- St. Clavers Avenue
South Coast
- May Pen
If you’re travelling to these spots in Jamaica, the government advises you to stay aware at all times, avoid visiting or travelling at night, follow the advice of local authorities, avoid walking alone, go out in groups, and avoid visiting isolated areas and beaches.
“If you’re threatened by robbers, don’t resist, and hand over your cash and valuables. Resistance may provoke the use of violence,” reads the advisory.
This isn’t the only recent update to a travel advisory for a beach destination.
Last week, Canada issued a serious update to a travel advisory for Mexico.
Canadians travelling internationally can sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free and confidential service that notifies citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.