The Government of Canada has updated the emergency status for Jamaica on a travel advisory due to a continued high level of violent crime.
In a report, the Jamaica Observer said the Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency effective until Oct. 28, 2019, which is in effect for the following areas: St James parish, which includes Montego Bay; Hanover parish; and Westmoreland parish, which includes Negril.
In addition, a state of emergency has been declared for St Andrew parish, which includes areas of Kingston, which is in effect until Oct. 5, 2019.
The advisory states that, “violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity.
It also said the availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms.
The Canadian government urged its citizens to ensure that travel outside of these perimeters, are arranged or provided by the resort as well as to and from the airport.
