The Canadian government is warning travellers to use caution in Jamaica for the time being.
Sun seekers in Montego Bay and the surrounding St. James Parish are being urged to exercise a high degree of caution following a spate of violent crime in the popular winter getaway. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness says escalating criminal activity has endangered public safety — a state of public emergency has resulted in the deployment of military forces.
The government's urges anyone staying at a resort in the affected area to stay on the property and not venture out — a statement Goliger's Travel Owner Sarah Hupalo agrees with.
She tells AM800 News, if the situation were dire a complete travel ban would have been issued, this is a way of letting travellers know they need to be aware of their surroundings and follow instructions
"A lot of countries have this particular advisory, and it just means to follow instructions, if there are any instructions from local authorities, and monitor local news," says Hupalo. "Just so you're more vigilant when things become unstable in some regions."
Many of the resorts are outside urban areas, and Hupalo says that's were people should stay when advisories are issued. — It's not the best time to start exploring alone.
"You wouldn't be going out to night-clubs, which most people don't do in Montego Bay anyways," she says. "Going on your own independent excursions, we would recommend that you use something provided by the tour operators."
Never jump into a random cab when an area is under a warning, she added.
"Even the transportation to and from the resort should be organized by tour operators in that area," Hupalo says. "You don't want to just hopping in a cab."
The government urges anyone already in Montego Bay to restrict their movements to their resort.