Important Security Information from the U.S. Embassy Kingston

                     Embassy of the United States of America
Kingston, Jamaica
April 23, 2009

Important Security Information from the U.S. Embassy

This message is issued by the U.S. Embassy to alert American citizens in Jamaica concerning  recent developments in Jamaica.

On Thursday afternoon, April 23, the Jamaican Parliament will convene for the presentation of the 2009-10 national budget.  The Government may propose various measures to enhance revenues, possibly including an unpopular increase in fuel taxes.  In a national broadcast the evening of April 22, Prime Minister Bruce Golding made the following appeal: “Let’s not hand the country over to lawlessness and anarchy.  The Security Forces are on alert and are prepared to respond to any situation where public order is disturbed.  But I appeal to all Jamaicans: Let that not become necessary.  Let good sense prevail.”

The Embassy of the USA has received no reports indicating that large-scale, island-wide demonstrations are planned.  Nevertheless, we encourage U.S. citizens to monitor the news media for updates on the situation; in the event of reports of protests or other civil disturbances, either remain at home or, if going out, exercise caution and avoid any unruly gatherings or demonstrations.

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 to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and 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.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact 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, tel. (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, 2nd Floor, Gloucester Avenue, tel. (876) 952-0160.  The U.S. Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 118 Dorcy Drive, Suite B-1, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, tel. (345) 945-8173.