Tourists in the Jamaican city of Montego Bay have been urged to stay in their resorts while the military carries out a crackdown on violent crime.
St James Parish, of which Montego Bay is the capital, has been hit by a surge in gang-related killing and violence, according to authorities, and a state of emergency was declared on Thursday.
The UK Foreign Office (FCO) has warned holidaymakers that “intensive law enforcement activities” were expected in the area and holidaymakers should limit their movements outside their resorts, especially at night. Other countries have issued similar advice, including Canada.
Around 200,000 Britons visit Jamaica each year, with many drawn to Montego Bay by its luxury resorts and white sandy beaches.
The FCO said: “A state of emergency has been declared in St James Parish, which includes Montego Bay. This will lead to more intensive law enforcement activities in response to recent violence including shooting incidents.
“You should follow local advice, including restrictions in selected areas. You should limit your movements outside of resorts in the area at this time, and exercise particular care if travelling at night.
“Travel to and from the airport or for excursions should be undertaken with organised tour operators, and transport should be arranged or provided by the resort hotels.
“Local media have reported that a major military operation is under way in parts of St James. This may result in road closures and travel delays. You should exercise caution if you’re in the area.”
Jamaica Constabulary’s force police commissioner, George Quallo, told the Jamaica Information Service 335 murders were recorded in St James Parish in 2017, almost twice as many as the other parishes.
Maj Gen Rocky Meade, chief of defence staff of the Jamaican Defence Force, told the JIS: “All citizens of Jamaica, including the violence producers, can feel safe in the hands of the military, as long as you are not threatening the troops.
“We are ensuring that we enforce the rule of law, that we disrupt gang activities, and the particular focus is on those that are responsible for murders, lotto scamming, trafficking of arms and guns, and extortion.”
The Jamaican prime minister, Andrew Holness, said the crackdown was being undertaken with the support of the tourism industry.
“Several stakeholders, including those in the tourism industry, have written to me to say that they would support the necessary actions to bring the parish of St James under control and restore public safety,” he said.
Holness said the government had been planning the operation “for some time”.
