Just saw this article on CNN = Travel Alert For Jamaica

[sunstarsmoon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen G Events Hi, Just to let everyone know that most business places downtown Kingston was open on Friday. The courts and alot of banks and companies were open downtown. I drove downtown and was able to conduct business and had no problem. From Thursday the situation has been under control and I have gone to most areas in Kingston and Spanish Town without any problems at all and the tourist areas are definately not affected. It seems business as usual as if nothing happened. Everyone moved about freely except for in the troubled areas and I even drove pass one the barricades to get where I was going on Marcus Garvey Drive and no problem.

Thanks for the update

[donutdjn]

thanks Helen

[Dmitri_Markine]

Just received an email from a friend who is there and things seems to be ok, but tour companies re-routing transportation and hotels advice everyone to avoid going to the city, just to be safe.

[hockeymom97]

This is so frustrating to me!!! As some of you may or may not know, my wedding was supposed to take place last month in Negril but we had to postpone due to my mother's deteriorating health. So anyway...we are now in the process of planning our wedding for the second time and my plan was to book the same resort in Negril for the same date next year, but now the future inlaws are refusing to travel to Jamaica and basically insiting we move the wedding...uggggg.

 

I have tried to explain how far away Kingston is and that Negril is not being impacted but they are not budging. Not only that, but who knows what will be going on in a year?! This will most likely be all over by then!

 

Then, the icing on the cake is that I said fine...we can move the wedding to Beaches Turks & Caicos (which was actually my first choice anyway but thought it might be too expensive for some guests). I also showed them an article stating that T&C has the lowest crime rate in the Caribbean, thinking they would love that fact. But now FMIL is complaining about the additional cost. I feel like no matter what I select she won't be happy.......

[*Karla*]

Some people will NOT be happy, no matter what. Bottom line, there is crime every where. The situation is obviously being contained, and tourists should not worry. Tourism drives the economy in Jamaica, the government will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.

 

Plus, you have to think, are you planning on leaving the resort? With family in JA, I spend very little time at the resort, but I know many people go to resorts for a week, and don't leave even one time. There is so much security at the resorts, there is no reason to be worried.

[*Karla*]

Some people will NOT be happy, no matter what. Bottom line, there is crime every where. The situation is obviously being contained, and tourists should not worry. Tourism drives the economy in Jamaica, the government will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.

 

Plus, you have to think, are you planning on leaving the resort? With family in JA, I spend very little time at the resort, but I know many people go to resorts for a week, and don't leave even one time. There is so much security at the resorts, there is no reason to be worried.

[hockeymom97]

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Karla* Some people will NOT be happy, no matter what.

I couldn't agree more!!

[jamaican]

Thing are definitely getting back to normal in the Kingston City. The situation did not directly affect areas outside of Kingston and Spanish Town but now under control by the authorities. I live in Kingston with my wife and our six year old son and we feel safe. I travelled From Kingston to Riu Negril to cover a wedding only last Friday... No problem!

[Charrey]

I read that schools are opening back up and things are dying down, but I also read that police are bombing parts of Kingston. Mr. Coke is still at large but so far the violence has not spread. Jamaican police supposedly are trying to kill him, and US police want him alive.

We decided NOT to move our wedding, but I am absolutely holding my breath for the next couple weeks praying that the violence does not spread.

[akua420]

I'm not worried at all, it was like drug lords and stuff and I won't be hanging out with them, and its all the way across the Island. My aunt saw this story and was freaking out, saying I'm making them travel to a danger zone for my wedding. We have JUST as much crime in Canada, so I'm not worried at all. It's not like I'im going to be hanging with sketchy ppl..... hahahahhaa