Violence in Jamaica

So I just told a good friend of mine that we have decided to go to Jamaica for our wedding and she proceeded to tell me how it is very unsafe to leave your resorts because of the violence down there. I had heard about the high crime rate in the bigger cities but I am worried now that this might be true. Has this stopped anyone from going to Jamaica or has anyone heard about the amount of violence outside the resorts?

There is a thread somewhere around mentioning if Jamaica is safe or not and if its safe to travel outside of the resort. I have heard NOT to go out into town yourself unless its a pre arranged tour, activity, etc.

I have also heard that Kingston is where its the least safe, so I dont think I will be traveling that way!

I think we have all heard those stories as well. I have been to Jamaica 3 times and have never had a problem. I always go off resort. There are problems in Jamaica, just like almost anywhere, but it is concentrated around Kingston....which is on the opposite side of the island from MB, Negril, or Ocho.

Many people in Jamaica are very poor, so I suggest going off resort to see and understand. My friends and I always take school supplies (like crayons, pencils, etc) and pass them out to the kids we meet. They always seem to be a big hit.

ive never been but ive heard stories of locals in coconut trees hurling coconuts at tourists...my aunt and uncle love it there and go often and they are fine:)

Good points, Lilpaisley. I just finished my brochure I'm going to send to my guests before the trip and I mentioned that Jamaica is relatively safe for tourists...use the same cautions you would at home in the U.S.

I too have been to Jamaica and off the resort and have had no problems. Hopefully we'll have time to venture out this time! I love seeing the local areas.

You are so right Starry...just use normal precautions. I had more problems in the FL Keys than I had anywhere else. So it can happen anywhere.

The one thing that always sticks with me when I leave Jamaica is that the people there smile more than anywhere else I have been. FI jokes that it is from the "herbs" they smoke.

Locals there told us that the crime has gone way down over the past few years b/c the gov't has changed and also the increased tourism has provided jobs to those who otherwise would have resulted to criminal activity. We didn't have any problems off the resort.

I agree with everyone above. If you use common sense, you will be fine. I have traveled quite a bit and know not to go off alone at night in a shady part of town.

The resorts are all very secure as are the tourist areas. As a precaution, always have a buddy and don't flaunt your wealth or carry large amounts of cash. I would give these same tips to anyone traveling.

We got married in Ocho Rios and didn't have any problems. We plan to make many trips back!

You should be fine;

1. yes its safe to leave your resort

2. yes the crime rate is high but its pretty much isolated outside the tourist areas / attractions

3. I have lived there for over 20 years and go there 2 or 3 times a year and I still make it out alive every time

4. Thats enough of my ramblings for now