Tourists warned as part of crime-hit Jamaica on lockdown
Tourists in parts of Jamaica were warned to stay in their resorts and only use authorized transport after a state of emergency was declared in the area around Montego Bay.
The state of emergency covers the St James Parish, which includes the popular tourist area.
It follows the launch of a major military operation in the region, in response to a recent spate of shootings in the northwestern parish.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness promised tough new anti-crime measures.
The parish had a record 335 murders in 2017.
"The security forces are expected, and have been directed, to treat citizens with respect and protect the dignity and safety of all," the Prime Minister said.
"If you know where the guns are, tell us; if you know where the criminals are, please tell us."
The PM says there is support for the action from the tourism industry.
"Several stakeholders in the industry had written to me and said they would support the necessary action and mechanism," Holness said.
"It’s very clear that decisive action needed to be taken based on the out-of-control crime numbers. The reality is, any place that is safe for us as Jamaicans, is safe for our visitors," said former Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association president, Evelyn Smith.
The island’s newspaper, the Jamaica Observer, said residents in the area also welcomed the state of emergency measures, with one woman saying: "This will help to protect the tourists as many are afraid to come to Jamaica when they read the news."
Another said: "I think this is an excellent move on the Government’s part. The escalating crime rate does not speak positively for the country."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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