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ASK A QUESTON

Safety in Jamaica

by Anonymous
(USA)

QUESTION:

It is safe to travel to Jamaica?
I heard it is a very violent and dangerous Island, I am planning to go to Treasure Island for a Literature Festival.

ANSWER: May-19-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Thanks for asking.

I will answer with a quote from a answer to a similar question on Yahoo Answers.

"Jamaica is as safe as you make it.

Certain areas are safer then others. I would recommend not venturing to far off the beaten Path unless you are in a group.

I have been to Jamaica several times and will be there for New years eve this year as well. Jamaica is a blast and can be the best time of your life.

Just use common sense when out walking around.
keep your eyes open."

Here is another response:

"There is no need to be scared of Jamaica, it is just like anywhere else.

These people are always making it more than it is. This whole thing is just being blown out of proportion.

Yeah there has been an increase in the crime rate in jamaica since lately but that is everywhere, even here in America.

Jamaica is not worst than anywhere else that is the picture that everyone tries to paint but it is not true. You just have to careful when you get there and just dont go out with people you dont know, dont flaunt like you are a foriegners, foriengner gets targeted wherever they go not just Jamaica.
You will be with family so there is nothing to worry about, just don't do anything out of the ordinary and you will fine. There is crimes happening everywhere in the world not just Jamaica.

Trust me you will have fun. If you are of the legal age make sure you go to New Kingston and check out the clubs Quad and Assylum, they are so much fun.

There is so much in Jamaica to do. Make sure to take a trip to Port Royal and go eat some steamed fish and Dunn Rivers falls to climb the rocks. Have fun on your trip. Enjoy my country."

Source:
Yahoo Answers.

Related Pages:
Jamaican Travel Stories
Intriguing Facts About Jamaica
Our Jamaica Blog
More Questions About Jamaica
Value of Jamaican Money

I hope that helps. stay in touch.

Comments for Safety in Jamaica

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Apr 08, 2016

Safety In Jamaica
by: Dan

As with any country you visit having a bit of knowledge before arriving there goes a long way. Bob Marley sang about "Trench Town" but that doesn't mean we should all flock there! If you don't put yourself in a bad spot then bad things won't happen..Some places us Western folk just don't belong & that's the knowledge you need to bring from your home to the island.. We love Ocho Rio's in large part to the safety we have felt there on all 3 visits including this past Feb 2016. We've never once felt threatened by anyone or anything here. ("White Hat's" / Auxillary Police are present throughout town for our protection) We have never felt the same vibe in other vacations to Brazil, Panama, Belize, Guatamala, Mexico & D.R. which likely explains in part why we don't repeat visit these countries. Keep your eyes open always, be smart, be polite, RESPECT!, don't show fear, don't confront or be rude! Locals will help you with anything if you ask. Jamaica gets a bad rap because of the internet information found everywhere...Just like this post anyone can put anything about anywhere. Until you try it for yourself you will never know the real answer which lies in this wonderful, beautiful country. Enjoy & Be Safe Always!!

Jan 24, 2014

THANX GOD
by: Dejana Sovljanski

Hello beautiful Jamaica!
I was never there, but I was traveling a lot-from the big cities through the valleys to the small towns all over the Europe.Everywhere people are the same, we can say, in some way-everywhere they steal, or they can hurt you.But we are not children forever(unfortunately)!Everywhere we go, we must take care about ourselves-not to go to far alone in some "wild" places, and don't take big money with you,man!Just relax and enjoy with all senses in the one of the most beautiful places in the world, with nice and pleasant people(that I know for sure-I met many of them!)I hope to see you soon - DEAR, BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE JAMAICA
P.S.I forget something important-we can say new, but is not so new, for couple of years now,thanx to JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT crime in Jamaica is REDUCED!See you soon!

Jan 24, 2012

Childhood Jamaica
by: Nikki

I lived on Jamaica (Harbour View, Kingston) back in the 70's as a child(aged 5-12).
I can seriously say they were the best years of my life!
So carefree... Would walk along the River bed, bare feet coming home from School.
Sliding down dusty hills in a cardboard box!
Paddling, splashing, fishing. Arriving home uniform caked in mud..... But oh so carefree & safe!
I would sneak out of the house at night, sometimes when there was a Black out! (power cut). I would wonder for miles to visit school friends in their Shanty towns! Always welcomed with open arms.... And of course gifts of wonderful Jamaican food!
Felt so very safe! It was wonderful!
Lol... I must have really stood out though because I am White, long blonde hair & blue eyes! ;-).
I am married with 3 children of my own & am dying to return to Jamaica! My children are desperate to see where I grow up! And to re live all my adventurous stories of my SAFE & happy childhood!

Oct 15, 2011

JAMAICA-NO PROBLEM, MAN!
by: Donna

Jamaica is safe...no different from where you are (maybe, apart from the beautiful sunshine, beach, reggae music and good food) It is time to ignore hear-say and get on the plane or boat and visit this beautiful Island. Crime is everywhere, bad people is everywhere and sometimes we just attract who we are. A co-worker just came back from Jamaica on October 10th. She was there on honeymoon from September 26-October 10, it was their first time in Jamaica and apart from a bit of sunburn...they said they had the best times. The people are very friendly, helpful and funny as ever. I was there with my family May 2011 and next Wednesday me and a friend from work is on the plane to Montego Bay Jamaica. It will be my friend first time and we are over-joyed. Please visit Jamaica...Just exercise caution as you would and remember...Jamaica is NO PROBLEM and NUFF RESPECT!
Donna

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