Guess that kinda puts the kibosh on the "rumor and speculation" part of things now doesn't it?
Definitely you have to exercise caution and common sense. When we are out and about we use drivers known to us and recommended, I keep their numbers in my phone and won't take random drivers.
I did meet a couple from Winnipeg this Feb trip, who had been robbed on the beach road - just around Montana's café at 9:00 PM at night. They were walking back to their hotel after dinner and walked around a car parked on the side with two guys who had the trunk and door open. Her husband was thrown to the ground and she was accosted for her purse. She saw a gun and gave it up. They are yearly visitors and were sadden by their experience. In my opinion they were handling it a lot better than I would have and hope that I never have to.
...guess it's for the best...at the moment.
Not to diminish anyone who has been the victim of a crime, but why is this newly issued US Travel Advisory for Jamaica not reported on the US Embassy in Kingston website from where it supposedly came? Here is the link to US Embassy website. Am I missing something - why is it not posted anywhere on any US government websites?
http://kingston.usembassy.gov/index.html
The only current official advisory stands as I posted it several days ago - Negril is not even mentioned....
http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...y/jamaica.html
The link referred to in the original post looks to be nothing more than a FB advert. ALL the links in the "news story" link directly back to Facebook. Absolutely no link goes back to the US Embassy in Kingston although they are highlighted to appear to go there.
LoopJamaica (news) has posted a similar story, once again with no link back to any new advisory wording, but with an added twist that asks Americans to sign up online to receive the latest travel advisories from the US government:
http://loopjamaica.com/2015/03/04/ja...urge-in-crime/
This was added to the Loop story: '“We strongly recommend that US citizens travelling to or residing in Jamaica enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” the embassy said.' Of course you have to give all your travel, address and email information.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your trips abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
None of the other news services, other than the YardTakeOut and Loop have made any references to this new advisory from the US Embassy in Kingston which has not been posted on the US Embassy in Kingston website, Twitter feed or FB wall.
Canada has not issued a new travel advisory, their only previous advisory also does not mention Negril.
If anyone can find the actual new advisory (not the previous ones that I already posted days ago) please do so. Otherwise all this thread proves that it is possible to ruin Negril and Jamaica's reputation with false statements. If the link and advisory cannot be found, this doesnt even classify as rumor or speculation but something that doesnt exist.
If it does exist, then we will have some true facts to deal with.
Negril.com - For the vacation that never ends!
Not making light of the advisory, but seriously how many times do you think over the years that same "advisory" has been issued? Have to ask is that for Kingston, Montego Bay, Sav, Negril, Green Island, Port Antonio, or the usual broad brush entire island of Jamaica?
I am so sorry for the pain and suffering for the Winnipeg couple you refer to and the young lady who was a resident whom recently lost her life on Lime Tree Lane. That's for real and definitely a reality check for all. But even here at home in our small town if a car I don't know is parked with a couple of guys with doors and trunk open , sorry but thats my cue to walk wide around or head to to other side of street way before I get up on it. Does that make it right, hell no, pisses me off just reading about it.
But the common sense and precaution advice is spot on. 18 years now with multiple trips each year and no issues, caution, common sense, pretty much the same way I am here at home and still alive and can't wait to go back again. This is my experience, opinion only.
Jamb
Jam,Originally Posted by Jambarney
Don't be so quick to discount others experiences. While I agree that the whole situation needs a little more credibility, let's sit back and await some credible info.
The news on social media as of late supports some challenges that Negril is facing, especially the West End. What I cannot speak of is the real reaction from the authorities, however word is that the Police presence is working hard to mitigate the latest BS.
Usually when I see post of these sorts I see a lot of talk around common sense. Careful with that comfort...
Booger, tried to send you a pm but not seeing the option when I click on your profile.
What part of the above is discounting anyone's experiences, re-read my post without reading something that's not there into it. I didn't use the words credible, or credibility, you did.
At my age I'm not too quick to discount anything but thanks for the advice buddy I'll keep that in mind .......
Jamb
Met two couples that were robbed at gunpoint and with knives last trip. Crazy naked ladies roaming the beach, being yelled out after saying No Thanks to a bracelet seller. Limiting our walks because of certain areas of uncertain security. Seeing locks being changed on hotel room doors. These are some of my reasons for not loving Negril so much these days. When it's good it's amazing. But I wasn't so sad to leave this time. Walking off the property to leave I met the couple that was robbed by Boat Bar at knifepoint. (2 in the morning) they were anxious to leave Jamaica. It's hard to stand up for Negril when you have to add " but you have to be careful" Considering the importance of reputation and the effect of a few robberies on the important tourist trade, why does Jamaica not increase police presence? It would seem to pay for itself.
To follow up on Rob's post, I did my own diligence and found that there is no such advisory on the websites for the State Dept or the U.S. Embassy/Kingston. Still going to rely on common sense here.
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