SOE for St. James (again) Hanover and Westmoreland

[brownsd54]

It is a shame that the government has had to resort to military checkpoints in the effort to reduce crime in your beautiful country however it can only be seen as a good thing if it helps reduce violent crime.
On our way from Montego Bay to Negril we passed 2 checkpoints and were waved through after a quick check with our bus driver.
We had already decided that we wanted to go to Black River and YS Falls on an organised tour, the bus picked us up and off we went. We encountered a queue at a military checkpoint. The cars in front of us were quickly waved through only for a young cop to decide that he needed to see everyones passports on the bus and we were waved off the road. The young guy then decided we all needed to get off the bus and present our passports. Our driver Byron made a phone call to his boss to explain what was happening and before we had time to get off the bus we had the senior guy from the JDF get on the bus and apologise most profusely that the young guy was an inexperienced Police officer and had made an error of judgement and that we were free to continue and he hoped we had a good day.
The JDF guy was brilliant and managed to avoid what could have quickly become a major problem as not one of us had our passports with us (We are advised to leave our passports locked in our safes)
We had a fantastic day out at Black River and YS Falls and passed through the same checkpoint on the way back without incident.

So, a couple of check points that you were quickly wave through and a stop on the way to Black River. I see this only as a positive trip report. No loss of time between MoBay and Negril and only a few moments on the way to Black River. The young JCF officer learned a lesson and although it may have been a little nerve racking at first when you were asked off the bus, remember freedom is not free and the price of peace and security is not free as well. The next time you see those young JCF officers, or JDF, offer to buy them a bottle of water or a fruit drink. Remember, they are the front line (and in most cases the last line) of defense for our peace and security.

Thanks for reporting harrison

[JaJodi]

We are very glad we left early for the airport yesterday. The backup at the checkpoint going into MoBay was about a half hour when we went through and you could see it backing up over the hill. I'd recommend having a little extra time going back on a Saturday or Sunday to the airport.

[harrison]

Guys just a quick update on the SOE

Summary -The State of Emergency in the parishes of St James, which includes Montego Bay, Hanover and Westmoreland has been extended to 13 August 2019

The above statement is from the UK Foreign Office.

[Marko]

The original State of Emergency by the PM was for 14 days starting on April 30th..would have ended May 14th
then Parliament extended the State of Emergency for another 90 days so August 13th 2019 it ends if not extended
this is contrary to many Caribbean News Agency that were saying it was going to end July 29th 2019

Cool Runnings, Marko

[OneLoveNegril]

So heading back with my family (with teenage kids) next weeks but have been to Negril close to a dozen times. It's been 6 years since we've been there so based on this thread it sounds like the only adjustment we should consider aside from the usual would be to head back from the restaurants and bars on the cliffs a bit earlier than we may have in the past? Also give a little extra time when heading back to MoBay flight out. I hate how these things read in the news and it is hard to weed through the fear vs. reality. Appreciate any other tips from those on the ground.
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[Accompong]

So heading back with my family (with teenage kids) next weeks but have been to Negril close to a dozen times. It's been 6 years since we've been there so based on this thread it sounds like the only adjustment we should consider aside from the usual would be to head back from the restaurants and bars on the cliffs a bit earlier than we may have in the past? Also give a little extra time when heading back to MoBay flight out. I hate how these things read in the news and it is hard to weed through the fear vs. reality. Appreciate any other tips from those on the ground.
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Along side the fact that it is off season, you will find it only a little bit slower than normal this time of year. Except for the visual presence of some extra security and some earlier closing of businesses you should not notice much of a change. There really isn't much of a problem with Negril mostly in the surrounding communities like Sav, Little London area etc..

Enjoy yourself full stop.

[OneLoveNegril]

Thank you for your reply and insight. We always go in the slow season (kids out of school and before hurricane) so used to a pretty quiet and chill Negril. God bless!