Important Security Information from the U.S. Embassy Kingston

Embassy of the United States of America
Kingston, Jamaica
August 7, 2009

Important Security Information from the U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens in Jamaica to an increase in armed robbery, break-ins, and larceny on the island as a whole and, in particular, the New Kingston area in the capital. The Embassy also reminds U.S. citizens of the crime information provided in the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.

In part because of the current world-wide economic recession, crime in Jamaica, and especially in Kingston, has risen substantially. American citizens living in or visiting Jamaica should use caution, be aware of their surroundings, and take these recommendations into account when planning activities, especially if visiting the New Kingston area:

Travel in groups
Keep windows up and doors locked while in a vehicle
Do not walk alone, especially after dark
Do not take shortcuts through alleyways; walk on main streets
Do not leave valuables in a vehicle
Park vehicles in garages with security services
Do not show off jewelry
Do conceal cell phones
Do cooperate with the perpetrators – robbery victims have been assaulted and, in some cases, killed when they attempted to resist

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://kingston.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for living and/or traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also register by visiting the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or our consular agencies in Montego Bay and Georgetown, Cayman Islands, during business hours.

Emergencies involving American citizens can be reported by contacting the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, telephone (876) 702-6000; after hours emergency telephone (876) 702-6000; Consular Section fax (876) 702-6018; and e-mail at KingstonACS@state.gov. The U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay is located at St. James Place, Second Floor, Gloucester Avenue, telephone (876) 952-0160. The U.S. Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 118 Dorcy Drive, Suite B-1, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, telephone (345) 945-8173.

Important Security Information from the U.S. Embassy Kingston

Embassy of the United States of America
Kingston, Jamaica
August 7, 2009