That is the message from the Jamaica Tourist Board after fresh security measures were enforced on Sunday (March 18) in the St Catherine North police division.
Nearly 50 people have been killed this year between January 1 to March 18 “due mainly to gang activity”, the Jamaican government has said.
The announcement was made by prime minister Andrew Holness, who said the clamp down in and around the capital Kingston would last, initially, for two weeks.
Some 241 Jamaica National Service Corps personnel have been drafted in to assist.
St Catherine North covers the townships of Central Village, as well as parts of Spanish Town, Bog Walk and Linstead.
Holness said: “The security forces have advised me in writing a high level of criminal activity continues and threatens public order and the rule of law. This threat is extensive.”
In a statement, the Jamaica Tourist Board said it would like to reassure visitors Jamaica remains safe, adding the affected areas are outside those frequented by tourists.
A separate state of emergency was declared for the country’s St James Parish, which includes Montego Bay, on January 19, again, due to localised violence. This has since been extended until May 2, albeit with the government’s advice softened.
The crime rate in respect of incidents involving visitors remains just 0.01%, the tourist board added, stressing 2017 was a record breaking year for tourism in Jamaica with the country welcoming 4.3 million people.
