how safe is Jamaica?

by chris
(terre haute,in)

QUESTION: i was told dont go there because its a bad place to go. i want to go maybe next year.

ANSWER: by Wellesley October 12, 2011

Hi Chris,

Glad you asked. In fact, I've gotten this question very often.

Without delaying, I'm going to point you to a few pages that I wrote, responding to persons about this or a related question:

Here they are:

1) Safety in Jamaica
2) Travelling with Money in Jamaica
3) Will I get shot in Jamaica

Start with those my friend and then read these true stories from persons who have visited Jamaica before you.

We look forward to welcoming you to Jamaica Chris!!

See Also: Jamaica Culture.

Regards

Wellesley

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Comments for how safe is Jamaica?

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Oct 18, 2011

Jamaica is Safe
by: Martin

Hie,

From various versions we read concerning Jamaica i dont think one can doubt the peace and tranquility prevailing on the Island.Jamaicans believe in some traits from Africa therefore they are peace loving pipo.

The people appear friendly though i have never been there.

We had Matabaruka here in Malawi.His poems were centered on love and peace a true reflection of life in Jamaica.

Oct 16, 2011

one love
by: Brenton

False Expectations Appearing Real, is also known to many as fear! If you allow this to deter you from an experience of a lifetime, then you definitely need to be there to get a reality check on what millions of others have enjoyed year in year out...One Love.

Oct 15, 2011

How safe is jamaica?
by: Sistrenjen

Well to be perfectly honest, Jamaica is just like any other place anywhere in the world, no matter where you go there will always be crime, I have been to Jamaica a few times to stay with my husband in spanish town which is in st Catherine, I didnt stay in any resorts I stayed with him at his home, which is all so classed as the ghetto, I have never had any problems at all with anybody,whilst I stayed there we walked into spanish town itself went to the market and local shops everybody was more than friendly I loved every minute of it, infact I all so went to my sister in laws party in the middle of kingston, the next road to trench rown, I love jamaica the people dem are very friendly and the island is absolutely amazing, so beautiful, every day has a completely different feel to it, yuh should go and enjoy yor experience but do mek sure yuh keep your money tight with yuh and dont flash it round cos like me seh, there is crime all over da world nah just jamaica.
One Love
Sisjen

Oct 14, 2011

How safe is Jamaica?
by: Coffee grower

I retired and moved to Jamaica, and in the 8 years I have been here ( I am English, and very fair skinned ) I have NEVER experienced any violence, directly, in this Country.

The only firearm I have seen ( excepting the security forces ), is a shotgun being used by a hunter, in the jungle above my house.

I have been warned to avoid certain of the "poorer" parts of Kingston, where there is a greatly increased chance of getting "mugged"; just because I am "white", and therefore, MUST have loads of cash on me.

In 8 years I have learned of only ONE tourist being attacked ( he was a sex-tourist; and got his just deserts from the father of the 10 year old girl, he was abusing: the pimp also got chopped, but survived ).

Following a major clamp-down by the Police and the Army, the rate of violent crimes, has more than halved, in the last 18 months.
With bullets for their guns being very expensive, and difficult to get hold of, the local drug gangs do not waste them; using them to "defend" their "turf" from each other, not wasting them on tourists: and any, of the rare, "shoot-outs" are strictly limited to the most "run down", drug infested, parts of the major cities.

Taking no more than "sensible" precautions, as you would in any foreign Country, you are perfectly safe, in the vast majority of Jamaica: just avoid the "poorest" parts of the major cities, just as you would do, anywhere in the world.

Oct 13, 2011

safety in jamaica
by: Anonymous

I have been to Jamaica three times this year. I don't stay at the big resorts. My first trip we rented a vacation rental on the ocean in a small town. There was a row of shops and smaall bars next to where we were staying. The locals walked us home late at night and everyone looked out for us. I now stay with a friend I met there (I am a attractive 45 year old white woman) and I walk all over by myself during the day. I have never felt unsafe. I think it is a matter of using common sense as to where to go and how you act. I am going again in December. Be smart, it is a very beautiful country with a lot of very nice people. Have fun!!!

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About The Author

A patriotic Jamaican who adores his culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' - since April 2007.

To date, he serves over 8,300 unique readers / viewers per day.

His efforts have earned him featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities.

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