As the newsmaker of the week just concluded, this week featured a development in which the Canadian government warned its citizens not to travel to Jamaica because it claimed there was a “high rate of violent crime” on the island.
Canada’s travel advice to Jamaica considered ‘ironic’ by many citizens as In fact, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his immediate family are currently on vacation on the island.
Some are even blaming the Jamaica government for the travel warning, pointing to the negative perception of the three states of emergency (SOE) imposed since November, the most recent on Wednesday 28 December, the same day as the Jamaica government. Canadian authorities have updated a travel advisory for the island.
This is the second such advisory issued by Canadian authorities for Jamaica this month, following the one issued in early December, shortly after the implementation of state-owned enterprises in eight parishes on December 6.
At the time, tourism industry stakeholders said they were not surprised by the proposal.
In fact, Delano Severeit, a senior strategist at the Ministry of Tourism, called the consultation “nothing new” at the time, arguing that it was unlikely to have a negative impact on the country’s tourism industry.
“There’s nothing new,” said Delano Seiveright of the Department of Tourism.
He then went on to say that despite all the advice over the years, even tourists from the United States and would-be Jamaicans “understand that in every country there are places that are not particularly safe and areas that are very safe.”
Given the influx of overseas tourists and celebrities arriving during the ongoing winter travel season, his point appears to have been vindicated.
Other popular celebrities who have vacationed in Jamaica so far include: American rapper Cardi B and her husband Offset; Golden Globe-winning actresses Diana Ross and Tracey Ellis Ross (Tracee Ellis Ross); African entertainer Burna Boy; American actor John Amos and his film director son KC Amos.
Interestingly, the Canadian prime minister has now joined a long list of high-profile international figures and personalities who will visit the island this winter.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Jamaicans are therefore skeptical of travel advisories from Canadian authorities.
According to the Canadian government’s updated travel advisory and advisory notice on Wednesday, December 28, SOEs “will be effective until January 11, 2023.”
Emergency measures have been announced in Kingston, St Andrews, St Catherines, Clarendon, St Ann’s, Hanover, Westmoreland and St James.
The parishes “reinstated” the measure “due to an increase in violence and gang-related crime,” the Canadian government said.
“During this period (state-owned enterprises), security forces have increased their powers to conduct searches, seize and detain those involved,” it said.
Canadian authorities further warn its citizens if they travel to In areas where emergency measures are in place, they “may be subject to searches by security forces”.
It also advises travelers to:
“Always cooperate with the military and police
》Carry a valid ID (identity certificate) at any time, and prepare for various security checks
“Allow extra time to reach destination
“Follow the instructions of local authorities
“Follow local news to stay informed about current conditions.”
Regarding violent crime, the Canada Travel Notice states that despite the presence of police to combat crime, such incidents, “including armed robbery and murder,[constitute]problems in large cities and tourist areas, including those in Kingston and Montego Bay. In some areas”
It added, “Guns are ubiquitous and most violent drug- and gang-related crime, especially murder, involves firearms.
“There is a risk of being a victim of crossfire in these areas. Tourists are also at risk of crime of opportunity, particularly theft and robbery.”
“Crime tends to be concentrated in what police call ‘traditional hotspots’ or ‘high-risk neighbourhoods’, but it can happen anywhere at any time.”
The advisory noted that Arnett Gardens and Denham Town, as well as other parts of St. James’ Montego Bay and St. Catharines, have large gang populations and high levels of violent crime.
Authorities further warned Canadians of other crimes, which include petty crime, sexual assault of women, especially women, and credit card and ATM fraud.
But some Jamaicans have been questioning such advice from Canadian authorities.
Responding to the suggestion on Facebook, Yvonne Campbell-Bailey wrote: “Their prime minister is still here on holiday this week”.
Another Facebook user, Octavius Vinci III, asked: “Then why is their most important person here? … umm…
“I always find these things weird, but Jamaica is consistently in the top 3 most visited Caribbean islands by tourists year after year,” he further commented.
Another social media user, Cake Soap, asked: “Where is the Prime Minister of Canada now?????”
In response to the question, Kadene Loren Clarke said: “Cake Soap, on the island where he (his government) issued the warning.”
Buce Whyte tried to give his opinion on the release of the travel advisory.
“There’s a stark difference here between their (Canada’s) prime minister (prime minister) and the average citizen being warned,” he suggested.
“First, the trip was planned well in advance of the announcement so that the Jamaican government could put in place the necessary protocols and security measures to protect the Prime Minister of Canada.
“The average Canadian doesn’t get the same protections from the Canadian government, and they don’t have the necessary resources to hire their own private security. Like how Andrew (Holness) is protected overseas while we ordinary citizens don’t,” White said. Say.
Another Facebook user, Sonia Millington, took a different view.
“Whether he (the Prime Minister of Canada) has maximum security or not, you can’t warn someone not to go somewhere and you still go or go; it doesn’t make sense…” she opined.
“It’s like telling someone that smoking kills, but you still do it because you said you were big,” she said.
Rachell Dias opined: “Andrew (Holness) sees SOEs not working? All he’s doing is giving Jamaica a bad name because he has a criminal scheme .
“Police and soldiers are tired. God bless u signed seh it nah wuk…,” she wrote.
Likewise, Sade Forrest commented, “Continued SOEs cast a shadow over the country and make it look like we can’t control crime. Enough is enough.”
The now-familiar security checkpoints are set up during the State of Emergency (SOE) in various parts of the island.
Posting an advisory on Twitter is also problematic.
@Jodizzle_jjo tweeted: “Canada issued a travel warning for Jamaica, but the PM of the same country is here on vacation. Help me understand.”
Another Twitter user, @jody_anderson09, wrote: “Smaddy enlightening me confuses me.
“Why is Canada issuing a travel warning for Jamaica while the prime minister of that country is here on vacation??? Contradicting himself?” she asked.
However, @TamiAlexsis shared: “Just saw a tweet calling Justin Trudeau a hypocrite for going on vacation to Jamaica when Canada issued a travel warning.
“Advice is advice. Have you seen the murder rate (in Jamaica)?” she asked rhetorically.
