WARDENS PLEASE PASS

General Elections August 31, 2007

This Warden Message is being issued to alert American citizens traveling to and residing in Jamaica to the possibility of increased political and social tensions, and the potential for violence, related to the upcoming general election. The general election in Jamaica has been rescheduled to September 3, 2007.  As the election approaches, media have reported increased levels of politically motivated violence.

The Embassy has been advised that both major political parties have scheduled rallies in Kingston on Saturday, September 1.  These rallies are expected to be held in relatively close proximity, increasing the potential for violence.  The PNP rally is scheduled to occur at Crossroads, and the JLP rally is scheduled to occur at Coronation Market.  Both rallies are planned for Saturday afternoon and evening, although exact times are not known at this time.  We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence at any time.  American citizens are encouraged to avoid areas where mass assemblies and demonstrations are expected to occur. 

During the run up to the election and particularly on election day, the U.S. Embassy advises that the public exercise particular vigilance and pay heed to the following issues:

• Learn where areas of congestion may occur.  Be alert to news and radio announcements of areas of particular congestion, plan to avoid such areas as much as possible, and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  Avoid large crowds and gatherings whenever possible.
• Expect heavier traffic than usual throughout the island on election day. 
• Advise any personnel/visitors planning to travel to/through/from Jamaica that the general election has been called for September 3.
• Always drive with your vehicle windows up and doors locked. 
• Avoid wearing orange, green or yellow clothing during the period leading up to the election and on election day.  These colors are politically significant and may incite reactions by others.

American citizens in Jamaica who require emergency assistance can contact the Embassy at (876) 702-6000.  Additional information is available in the Consular Information Sheet for Jamaica at http://travel.state.gov and on the Embassy web page at http://kingston.usembassy.gov/ .

U.S. EMBASSY CONSULAR SECTION TO CLOSE MONDAY AND TUESDAY AUGUST 20 - 21, 2007 

The Consular Section of the Embassy of the United States of America in Kingston will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, August 20 and 21, 2007, due to the expected effects of Hurricane Dean.  There will be no visa interviews, or routine American Citizen Services available on these dates.  As always, emergency services for American citizens will continue to be available without interruption.  American citizens with bona fide emergencies should call 702-6000. As soon as it is possible to do so, the Embassy will advise the public about the availability of consular service hours from Wednesday, August 22, onwards.

STATE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHES HURRICANE DEAN CALL CENTER

On Sunday, August 19, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs opened a toll-free Hurricane Dean Call Center to answer calls from the public concerning the storm's effects on the island of Jamaica. The toll-free number for callers in the U.S. and Canada is 1-888-407-4747; callers from all other overseas locations can call 1-202-504-4444 (NOT toll-free). In order to minimize demands on Embassy Kingston, the public is urged to call these numbers for up-to-date information.

TRAVEL WARNING

Jamaica and the Cayman Islands August 17, 2007

This Travel Warning is being issued to urge U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands at this time due to the threat posed by Hurricane Dean.  The Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica. The storm is predicted to pass over Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on August 19.

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston will be available over the weekend for emergency American Citizens Services, but may be forced to suspend operations without notice.   U.S. citizens in areas likely to be impacted by Hurricane Dean who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing until the storm has passed while commercial flights are still available.  Seating capacity on commercial flights is extremely limited.  Flights into and out of Kingston and Montego Bay international airports, and the Grand Cayman Airport may be suspended at any time.  If staying in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands, U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions.  Visitors to Jamaica or the Cayman Islands should be familiar with their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans, policies, or procedures.  Please see the Caribbean Public Announcement regarding hurricane season dated August 16, 2007, on the Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe, waterproof location. Additionally, all American citizens in the area are reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them apprised of their current whereabouts.

Americans living or traveling in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. 

American citizens in Jamaica who require emergency assistance can contact the Embassy at (876) 702-6000.  Additional information is available in the Consular Information Sheet for Jamaica at http://travel.state.gov and on the Embassy web page at http://kingston.usembassy.gov.