Canadian Government Is Urging Spring Break Travellers To Avoid This Caribbean Destination
As mid-January keeps on trucking by with its bad weather, slippery and grey conditions and a general lack of sun - it's totally normally for anyone with a few extra dollars to be planning a much needed getaway. However for those looking to head to the warm and sunny Caribbean this spring break, the Canadian government is highly suggesting that you leave out this one country from your travel itinerary.
Jamaica and specifically Montego Bay, has been dubbed as not particularly safe, due to their a state of emergency caused by a spike in violent crimes. Jamaican authorities have imposed a military lockdown in pockets of the country, including prime tourist areas.
Press Release:
PM Holness Announces State of Public Emergency in St. James pic.twitter.com/Cv4oSubGJu
“Military forces have been deployed to the area in an attempt to stabilize the situation,” Travel Canada said in a release.
Adding, “If you are staying at a resort in the affected area, restrict your movements beyond resort security perimeters. If you do travel outside these perimeters, use transportation arranged or provided by the resort. Use organized tour operators for excursions and travel to and from the airport. If you are in the affected area, be extremely vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local news.”
The parish of St. James is under a State of Public Emergency, there is no "Limited State of Emergency". pic.twitter.com/qaeyXjrGCe
Jamaican authorities say that violence, in particular murders, have been increasing and making public safety an issues, thus the need to call a state of emergency.
Under the state of emergency, the government will have, “extraordinary powers and some rights will be suspended,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. Those powers include search of persons and vehicles, curtailing business hours and detaining people without a warrant. Checkpoints will be set up on roads in and out of the parish.
Source: Government of Canada, Andrew Holness, CTV