No Reason to Panic, but this should be addressed...

I was astounded when I read this piece in USAToday. Not because there was violence, but because of the attitude of Jamaican police and specific resorts (especially the pretty expensive Sandals chain). They can't possibly benefit from the from ignoring the impact on tourism. Yes, my wife and I are still headed to Negril in January, but I find it amazing that Jamaica is now considered less safe than Mexico where there have been some pretty nasty incidents.

Jamaica needs to clean this up immediately if they expect to be a prime location in the Caribbean. Fix it...don't brush it under the rug or your economic future as a tourist destination is doomed. This is especially true of Sandals.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...lt/1816675002/

Already replied but message seems to be gone. Anyway, Had a friend who went for a week and never returned. R.I.P. It's a bit more dangerous than the old days. Where there's coca there's guns. It's not just Jamaica but spreading thru the Caribbean. They just happen to be the 'hub' or the man in the middle. Sad but true. Big Corporate resorts are buying the lives of Jamaicans when they think they're gonna make jobs for them. It's a sell out and a poor societal issue. Easy money is winning over ethics. Corruption.

But still love the Island.

Wow this is certainly not good for Tourism in Jamaica.....this is really bad
already a USA Travel Advisory to certain parts of Mobay and Kingston...
and with mi living most of mi time in Negril mi can say a lot of bad stuff that happens here is never broadcast to the general public
be safe everyone........

Cool Runnings, Marko

We took our twenty something boys with us last winter. I only had one rule; The girls (their girl friends) go nowhere alone. Not for ice, not back to the room from the pool, not to the bathroom, nowhere. That doesn't always guarantee safety, but it goes a long ways.

The first responses are coming in from the Jamaican government...

In the statement from Jamaica's tourism ministry, it said, "Jamaica prides itself in our record of being hospitable to over 20 million tourists who have visited over the past seven years. Jamaica also has a world leading and very high repeat visitor rate of 42 per cent, with an extremely low rate of crime against our visitors."

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/l...lt-us-tourists

http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/u...amaican-hotels

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Originally Posted by Irine

We took our twenty something boys with us last winter. I only had one rule; The girls (their girl friends) go nowhere alone. Not for ice, not back to the room from the pool, not to the bathroom, nowhere. That doesn't always guarantee safety, but it goes a long ways.

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Last Feb My oldest daughter, her GF and my grandson came to Negril and stayed at Whitesands a few days before I came down. I basically told them to head north for dinner (towards Chances, Coco Lapalm...etc) at night til I showed up and it seemed fine. As for the assaults at the hotel, I guess that anything is possible but the staff at White Sands have been there so long with their family atmosphere it's hard for me to ever imagine anything like that happening there.

Jahansen,

I noticed your comment, "but I find it amazing that Jamaica is now considered less safe than Mexico where there have been some pretty nasty incidents", and cannot find anything in the article stating that nor after searching Mexican crime stats.

Could you please let us know where this info comes from?

Thanks.

Just to clarify; I stay at white sands because we feel safe there, and I know many places along the beach where I have great vibes about staying and safety. My comments about never leaving the girls alone is more directed to being out on the beach and around Negril on tours or just hanging out. My wife knows no matter where she goes on the beach I have eyes on her, and that I'm standing outside the bathroom when we are out and about. Having said that we have never felt unsafe anywhere in Jamaica, and I also practice the same personal safety habits in Florida, or the Bahamas or anywhere we go that isn't home.

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Originally Posted by ukran1ans

Last Feb My oldest daughter, her GF and my grandson came to Negril and stayed at Whitesands a few days before I came down. I basically told them to head north for dinner (towards Chances, Coco Lapalm...etc) at night til I showed up and it seemed fine. As for the assaults at the hotel, I guess that anything is possible but the staff at White Sands have been there so long with their family atmosphere it's hard for me to ever imagine anything like that happening there.

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The article doesn’t mention what percentage of these attacks are by other guests, I am guessing that they make up the majority. A quick web search also showed that cruise ships originating from the US have a much higher number of sexual assault and rape cases than Jamaica has.

There is never an excuse for such a terrible crime, but where there are people and large amounts of alcohol together I think this will always be an issue.

The article seems like sensationalism to me. They give no idea if such crime in JA is at all out of line with any other tourist destination. I certainly don't excuse rape. In Jamaica or anywhere else. But it does happen and unfortunately it happens to tourists. This article doesn't actually provide any factual evidence to back up their claim of this being especially of concern in JA. They provide sensational details about a few incidents over a few years and imply that the problem is much more widespread without any indication that this is actually true. It's basically click bait and having now seen mention of it all over the net, it's obviously working.

I can't ignore that sometimes people just have to own their choices... no one deserves to be assaulted, or worse, but if you are over-intoxicated or placing yourself in knowingly dangerous situation, bad things could happen. How many people go on vacation and feel that they can take whatever liberties they desire, throwing all caution to the wind. Obviously, this is not always the case, and like I said, no one deserves for bad things to happen... but let's be honest and recognize that some crimes are a direct result of poor decision making.

Completely agree 603!
Troubles easy to find if you look for it....
And as easily avoided!
Make wise choices and use your smarts.

It's hard to read about how bad a trip can go. I've been paranoid about personal safety as long as I can remember starting with "Don't take candy from a stranger." Thanks, Mom! I try to stay on top of my game no matter where I am when I travel or even at home. That said, who doesn't have a few edgy encounters after 34 years of traveling to Jamaica.

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Originally Posted by LivinInThe603

I can't ignore that sometimes people just have to own their choices... no one deserves to be assaulted, or worse, but if you are over-intoxicated or placing yourself in knowingly dangerous situation, bad things could happen. How many people go on vacation and feel that they can take whatever liberties they desire, throwing all caution to the wind. Obviously, this is not always the case, and like I said, no one deserves for bad things to happen... but let's be honest and recognize that some crimes are a direct result of poor decision making.

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I used to respect your opinion but if that what you got out of that article ...Wow

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Originally Posted by Rob

Jahansen,

I noticed your comment, "but I find it amazing that Jamaica is now considered less safe than Mexico where there have been some pretty nasty incidents", and cannot find anything in the article stating that nor after searching Mexican crime stats.

Could you please let us know where this info comes from?

Thanks.

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I wish this weren't the case, but this is from the USA Today article:

Last year, Jamaica was ranked the third most dangerous country for female travelers by Trip by Skyscanner, a California-based travel research company that reviews destinations worldwide. Egypt and Morocco topped the list.

I don't think the main problem is that there were some assaults. This happens at a lot of places because there are some really bad people everywhere. What worries me is that the resorts and the Jamaican government seem to treat this as if it is equivalent of pick pocketing... no big deal mon. Or it's the victim's fault. This is much more serious than this. In order for Jamaica to be a prime tourist destination this has to be treated very seriously.

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Originally Posted by Jahansen

I wish this weren't the case, but this is from the USA Today article:

Last year, Jamaica was ranked the third most dangerous country for female travelers by Trip by Skyscanner, a California-based travel research company that reviews destinations worldwide. Egypt and Morocco topped the list.

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Trip by Skyscanner? Let's check out the source.

From their website, they offer only this safety tip about Jamaica:

"Safety
Solo Female Travel Tips
In Jamaica, "don't make yourself a target in a relatively poor country." If possible, "avoid local beaches, stick to tourist areas." Some suggested bringin "a smaller purse, which can be kept close to you (i.e. A cross body)."

Trip by Skyscanner surveyed its Solo Female Traveller Tribe to compile woman-to-woman safety tips for this destination. While no one destination is ever completely safe or unsafe, our hope is that this information will allow users to make their own decisions with better information."

Trip by Skyscanner IS NOT a travel RESEARCH company that the article suggests, but a travel SEARCH company. From their site:

"About Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site and app, a place where people are inspired to plan and book direct from millions of travel options at the best prices. We employ over 900 staff across ten offices globally, and having reached market leader status, we were acquired by Chinese online travel company Ctrip in in a deal valued at $1.7B in 2016. Trip by Skyscanner (formerly Gogobot) was acquired by Ctrip and integrated into Skyscanner in 2017."

In the Solo Female Tribe section of the Trip by Skyscanner site, they do have a safety link to a Daily Mail article which Jamaica is not mentioned.

https://www.trip.skyscanner.com/blog...ips-and-tribe/

I did find a Forbes article about solo woman safety regarding Mexico, where the author was congratulating Trip by Skyscanner for their latest Tribe, the Solo Woman Traveller. Here is what she wrote:

"But this latest warning is particularly noteworthy, as the incidents that prompted it impacted a number of women and underscored the importance of safety for female travelers, whether they’re on vacation or a business trip in Mexico or anywhere in the world.

As part of the launch of its newest and 20thtribe, Solo Female Travelers, Trip by Skyscanner recently released a list of the 10 most dangerous places for solo female travelers. Based on a survey of Trip by Skyscanner users, the list comprises the lowest rated countries. For some Trip by Skyscanner users, this doesn’t necessarily mean “no go,” but it definitely means “take caution.” And while Mexico didn’t make the top 10 list, it still raises concern with people like Julia Pond, Trip by Skyscanner’s editorial director, who shared her insight on how to stay safe, whether you’re in Mexico or any of the places on the list."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabe...-to-stay-safe/

Rob,
I also looked into this and Skyscanner was the only place this statistic could be found. Skyscanner is a social media based app / travel web site and makes no claims to be a true research source. They only stat they had was based on a State Department stat of one assault on American women a month with a 7 year average of 78 total assaults in the time frame. USA Today went to the only place they could find to prop up their claim for the article. A better and real source would have been the International Women's Travel Center but neither they nor any other valid source I found had the stat reported in the article. Further research showed USA Today giving plenty of advice for having a great time in while traveling to Jamaica ..

As a loyal customer of the RIU resorts around the world, I am extremely disappointed in their lack of due diligence in the hiring of the animal who attacked and raped those women in Montegeo Bay. Or is it Jamaica's failure of their system for employment background checks that is to blame?

Before you purchase a product be it a TV or car or even a vacation to a foreign country most people do some research. To research a country I suggest you read one of thier news papers. In Jamaica I read the Gleaner. Read the news stories but also the commentary section, letters to the editor and on Sunday they have a section called in focus. You will learn all you need to know about Jamaica. Have fun get educated and be safe. And stop blaming the victim. One love.

Also it should be noted that the group "reporters without borders" rates Jamaica #6 world wide for freedom of the press. America is rated # 45 by this group.

https://knoema.com/

Seems like a pretty comprehensive source of world wide information. I've been going to Jamaica since my parents' honeymoon (half of me that time) and then from 3yo through present - I cannot be dissuaded from going there at least once/year. Statistics are just numbers, be aware but live your life!

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Originally Posted by Jahansen

I don't think the main problem is that there were some assaults. This happens at a lot of places because there are some really bad people everywhere. What worries me is that the resorts and the Jamaican government seem to treat this as if it is equivalent of pick pocketing... no big deal mon. Or it's the victim's fault. This is much more serious than this. In order for Jamaica to be a prime tourist destination this has to be treated very seriously.

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With all the news coverage, editorials, broadcasts and discussions that the Riu Reggae incident generated on the island and the fact the suspect was incarcerated the next day by the police, I don't see anyone here taking the issue lightly.

Rape is a horrific violent crime. No thinking person can believe otherwise.

The USA Today article unfortunately does not represent the reality. By misrepresenting the facts, they have proceeded to diminish the truth of what is a terribly serious subject matter.

Other than the low life rapist, the only ones to blame are the resorts it happened in. They have a responsibility to keep their guests safe at all times.
If there’s any justice, the rapist/s will be treated by other criminals the same way they’re treated here in the states.

I never chime in but this thread hits close to home.Over the last 10 years I have traveled to Jamaica 25 times.As most people who come often I follow all the internet media on the island(lurker).I often am taken back by news media reports of crime in and around Negril.
Having been informed by Google maps that in three years I have been to 356 unique cities around the planet I am reminded that I have never been mugged,raped or robbed in Negril or elsewhere in Jamaica.

I have stayed out late,traveled with taxi I do not know while intoxicated and on many occasion made deals with people I did not or almost did not know.

I left myself vulnerable to attack or worse and almost every time I was cared for by my driver as if they were my shepherd.

There were times I disputed the size of my purchase and with no reason they returned to correct the dispute.

times when I paid $10 USD to drive 7 people from the beach to the cliffs for dinner and had that driver wait for me (1.5 hours) not to make the $10 return but to make sure we were safe.

I have found starving Jamaicans in a good mood to help you on your way.

Dont get me wrong I was early on hustled for money but never robbed.

Some of the greatest people I ever met were when I needed help in Jamaica.

Having been to 356 cities in 3 years and having been mugged twice in the US at gunpoint I will say I Jamaica if you operate with caution,street smarts and respect you will never vacation anywhere else.

Thank you Matt !!

I have lived in the United States for 66 years, and have had one instance of crime committed against me. I have traveled to many different places with no crimes committed against me. I enjoy Jamaica and look forward to my next trip, but I will continue to revisit other places and explore new places around the world.

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Originally Posted by rellim

I used to respect your opinion but if that what you got out of that article ...Wow

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Well, for example... it seems unclear as to exactly which resort they young woman was staying at. The article says at Sandals with her mother, but later references Beaches. So I automatically question the respectability of the article. Secondly, what was the young woman doing in the laundry room. If she was in fact doing laundry and was then assaulted, that is tragic. Third, apparently, her friends were later or simultaneously being "gang raped" in their room. But I have to wonder, who let the men into the room? So I maintain, there are a lot of unanswered questions, and there are choices that may have been made that promoted this horrible incident. No one deserves to be assaulted, but there seem to have been choices made that allowed this particular even to play out, horrible as it is.

As a single woman who regularly travels alone, perhaps I take more precaution than others, but I have been at resorts where staff have openly insinuated interest in a very overt way, both while with other guests and not. I don't let anyone in my room when I am there by myself, I no longer travel alone at night, or even with locals for that matter, by foot, and I have to accept that when I drink too much alcohol, my boundaries increase in size... if anything happens to me, it's my own fault.

Beaches is owned by Sandals so that's simple not sure what article you read the first one I saw was from the Detroit Free press. And according to that you got all or most the info wrong 603 do better research this is a very serious subject.

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Originally Posted by Cudjoe

Beaches is owned by Sandals so that's simple not sure what article you read the first one I saw was from the Detroit Free press. And according to that you got all or most the info wrong 603 do better research this is a very serious subject.

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I read the article attached in the first post. Have you?... agree that the info is not very good. I'm not googling articles about it in my free time.

I am well aware that Beaches and Sandals are both part of the same company.

I know tis is a serious subject, however, it seems that, as usual, we have taken the route that people are no longer required to take responsibility for their actions.

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Originally Posted by LivinInThe603

I read the article attached in the first post. Have you?... agree that the info is not very good. I'm not googling articles about it in my free time.

I am well aware that Beaches and Sandals are both part of the same company.

I know tis is a serious subject, however, it seems that, as usual, we have taken the route that people are no longer required to take responsibility for their actions.

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The incident at Riu involved an armed man entering thru a balcony door. Not sure what action they did wrong. According to the article they disarmed and shot him. The attack by the Cuban football players involved a lady going to the bathroom and they attacked her in there. Not sure what actions got her chosen to be gang raped in a woman's bathroom. And the two young women at Beaches were shmoozed and groomed by three slick talking boys who lured then into the laundry room. Nothing better than blaming the victims.

From what I read they were teenage girls & the rapists asked them to come see something in the laundry & then raped them. They were teenage girls not fully functioning adults so therefore not responsible. Teenage girls do not always make good judgement calls. Stop blaming the victim!

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Originally Posted by SVW

From what I read they were teenage girls & the rapists asked them to come see something in the laundry & then raped them. They were teenage girls not fully functioning adults so therefore not responsible. Teenage girls do not always make good judgement calls. Stop blaming the victim!

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At what age are people responsible for their own actions? 17 isn't enough to know something is wrong?

You make my point. People, in general, do not always make good judgement calls... and sometimes bad things happen as a result. Did those girl have to go into the laundry room? No. Could they have overreacted and ran away screaming. Yes. I would rather be embarrassed for overreacting than crushed for falling victim. No one deserves for bad things to happen to them, but what would I expect if I went with some random guys into a creepy, out of the way room at a hotel in a foreign country? I'd expect bad things, 17 or 40 years of age. I'm not blaming the victim. I'm blaming everyone involved. Clearly, people are uninformed and blindly participating in vacation destinations in which they have no knowledge of... the warnings are there for a reason.

I'm sorry 603 if I made this sound like I was attacking you. I really wasn't, just addressing the thing in general. I think back to how "stupid" I sometimes was at 17 & if a guy said to me (especially if he was a cute one) come here I want to show you something I might have been gullible enough to go see what it was. 17 year olds are probably a lot smarter today but I was 17 a million years ago & pretty trusting. But anyway, I meant no disrespect. Just a sad situation all around that could happen anywhere not just Jamaica.

No matter the age or situation, there is abosolutly NO EXCUSE FOR RAPE!!! Yes the girls could’ve made better decisions to help keep themselves safe, but they thought they were inside the walls of the resort. No fault at all should fall on the victims. It’s appalling that anyone would even put partial blame on them.

I understand the resorts, (especially in the most recent case at the Riu Reggae) should have better hiring practises but how does a hotel take responsibility for the horrible attack by the Cuban men?

And note...most of the resorts do have detailed hiring practises including requiring police records etc.
The overall opinion/question is why did theses practises fail or weren't implemented at the Riu?

enjoying reading how much everyone enjoys and spends time in our beloved Jamaica......
mi try to be a great ambassador and spread the word to everyone on how much mi enjoy Jamaica...
and how they should enjoy everything Jamaica has to offer.....
you can't possibly do everything in one vacation...lol

mi also tell everyone to be aware of the surroundings and don't do anything stupid when in Jamaica.......
using common sense to start with and thinking you know everything about Jamaica can get you in trouble..
mi been going to Jamaica since '82 and stay here for months at a time and everyday in Jamaica mi learn sumthin new......

mi ride mi red bicycle around Negril which isn't the smartest thing to do with all the maniacs on the road....
and mi snorkel every morning with the barracudas and this summer mi actually came face to face with a shark....
so wi all live our lives the way wi want.......nothing wrong with that.......

mi will just say that you should be very careful when you are in Jamaica......
Jamaican local police lack the financial resources and man power to respond quickly to incidents
always keep a low profile.....be aware of your surroundings....avoid secluded spots...
and never ever resist a robbery.....if you do it's a good way not to make it home safely
the USA government says to avoid going out at night and using public transportation but think that's over doing it...

it's not Kansas anymore like years past .......walk good......respect

Cool Runnings, Marko

Just to clarify, the US government does not warn to avoid going out at night, they suggest not walking at night.

And the US advisory doesn't mean to avoid using public transportation, they warn against using the public buses that operate in Kingston and somewhat in MoBay. There are no public buses that operate in Negril that the US government is advising not to use.

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Originally Posted by LivinInThe603

Well, for example... it seems unclear as to exactly which resort they young woman was staying at. The article says at Sandals with her mother, but later references Beaches. So I automatically question the respectability of the article. Secondly, what was the young woman doing in the laundry room. If she was in fact doing laundry and was then assaulted, that is tragic. Third, apparently, her friends were later or simultaneously being "gang raped" in their room. But I have to wonder, who let the men into the room?

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I think you need to read all of the article again, carefully. All of that info can easily be gleaned from what has been published, and pretty clearly at that. I'm offended on behalf of those girls for your responses here. Seriously. I think you need to step back and rethink your stance here.