Tourists Alarmed as Gun Crimes Soar in Jamaica

Authorities in Jamaica have declared a state of emergency in areas including the popular tourist town of Montego Bay amid a rise in violent crime.

Tourists are being warned to stay inside their resorts after the Jamaican Government declared a state of emergency in the parish of St. James after a number of “shooting incidents”.

There has been an increase in killings that officials blame on gangs and lottery scams. Tourists in Jamaica are being warned to stay inside.

Britain’s Foreign Office has told British tourists to stay in the confines of their hotels as a “major military operation” takes place.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “(Tourists) should follow local advice including restrictions in selected areas, and exercise particular care if travelling at night.

Police said businesses and recreational areas are under a temporary curfew, and the state of emergency allows them to search areas without a warrant.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the state of emergency was “necessary” in order to “restore public safety” in the St James area.

Authorities also have imposed a curfew in parts of St Catherine parish located just west of the capital of Kingston.

Source: News Australia (news.com.au)