Jamaica (catch all)

[Bill Moore]

David,

I found some contrary info, but some of these sites don't have dates.

https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-s...t-to-watch-for

Deadly Crime and Assault in Jamaica

Jamaica has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. These dangerous and deadly crimes are not isolated to locals - several tourists have lost their lives there in recent years so you should be especially careful to avoid risky areas and use common sense when visiting.

Sexual assault against female travelers is also an issue, so women should avoid traveling alone and not drink to excess. Some of these reported assaults occurred within the confines of a resort, so women should be cautious at all times, regardless of where they are.

Keep the following in context, as several thousand U.S. tourists visit Jamaica annually. I suspect the number of murders and violent crime against Americans is higher in other tourist locations like Thailand for example.

https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentRe...aspx?cid=21545

Although most criminal activity is Jamaican-on-Jamaican violence, often involving organized criminal elements and gangs, criminal activity can impact American visitors.
◾In 2016, the Embassy’s consular section received reports from Jamaican police or the victims themselves of eight U.S. citizens murdered; 39 U.S. citizens robbed; 18 U.S. citizens raped/sexually assaulted; nine U.S. victims of aggravated assaults; seven incidents of domestic violence involving Americans; two instances of child abuse involving American children; and 106 missing persons cases reported. These numbers are not all inclusive, as many crimes (rape, sexual assaults) are often not brought to the attention of the Embassy or to the police.

Since tourism remains the largest part of Jamaica's economy, I suspect the authorities will either crack down on the criminals that threaten it, or work a deal behind the scenes with the gangs so they can operate in these areas as long as they don't threaten tourists. So many areas people from the U.S. and Europe consider the islands in the Caribbean paradise, but in reality they are hell holes for most of the people living there. We have a habit of viewing that part of the world through a 50mm lens that only focuses on white sandy beaches and blue water.