Jamaica responds to U.S. travel advisory, highlights major security, health improvements
After the United States updated its travel advisory to Jamaica and urged citizens to reconsider traveling to the island due to increased crime and healthcare concerns, the island's government issued a response.
Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Senator, said in a news release the nation has made major improvements in security and healthcare in cooperation between Jamaica and the U.S. government.
Johnson Smith said the Jamaican government is disappointed that the travel advisory does not reflect this progress.
Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs reacts to U.S. travel advisory
The Jamaican government has "more than doubled" investments in crime and health-related challenges, hoping to benefit both Jamaican citizens and island visitors, the release said.
Johnson Smith also said Jamaica has seen a 20% decrease in serious crimes, and improvements in arrests and prosecution.
"We are making serious improvements, although we still have much more to do to achieve all that we wish to deliver," Johnson Smith said.
According to data from the Jamaican Constabulary Force, there have been 83 murders in Jamaica so far this year as of Feb. 3, 2024, slightly down compared to the same time period in 2023. According to Statista, Jamaica had the highest homicide rate compared to other Caribbean and Latin American countries in 2022.
"Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts," the United States travel advisory said. "Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities."
Despite this, Jamaica received a score of 75 out of 100 on Gallup's Global Law and Order report, where survey respondents said whether or not they felt they could trust their local police.
Jamaica was also named the Caribbean's Leading Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2023.
What is the Jamaican crime rate against visitors?
According to Visit Jamaica, part of the governmental Jamaica Tourism Board, the rate of crime against visitors to Jamaica is a low 0.01%.
"As with any place in the world, you should always remember to follow basic safety precautions to avoid possible predicaments," according to the Board. "Local authorities and the general tourism community have implemented many procedures and enhanced security measures in order to maintain a safe, secure environment for residents and visitors."
Visit Jamaica also has a list of tips for visitors to the island:
Keep your luggage in view at all times and your personal effects close to your body
Don’t carry large amounts of cash
Do not leave valuables in your car; utilize the in-room safety deposit box or hotel safe
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry outside of your resort
Do not let strangers into your room
Lock room doors when leaving
Review the safety information and location of exits close to your room in case of fire or emergencies.
Only take licensed taxis, in Jamaica they have red plates with white letters and digits.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Travel advisory: Jamaica responds to designation, highlights progress
