Jamaica’s tourism minister, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has issued a statement reassuring holidaymakers that the island is open and safe for visitors.
It comes after a state of emergency was declared in the area around Montego Bay, prompting the UK Foreign Office to warn British tourists to stay in their resorts and only use authorised transport.
A major military operation was launched in the region in response to a recent spate of shootings in the northwestern parish.
But the statement from the tourist board insists Jamaica continues to be ‘safe, secure and seamless in its delivery of tourism’.
It said all resorts, restaurants, and attractions are open as usual and visitors and residents continue to enjoy their daily activities.
"Jamaica has always enjoyed a very low crime rate against visitors. The proactive and preemptive security measure by The Most Honourable Andrew Holness to guarantee the continuation of this enviable statistic has been a welcomed initiative," said minister Bartlett.
"It has proven to be effective and we expect it to end quickly."
The statement said visitors to St James may have concerns about the presence of soldiers and police but it reassured them that members of the security forces are trained to be professional in executing their duties and ‘will give due regards to human rights and the dignity of all people’.
