Important Security Information (May 1, 2008)

Important Security Information from the U.S. Embassy Heightened Violence in Downtown Kingston

This message is issued by the U.S. Embassy to alert American citizens in Jamaica concerning heightened violence and tensions in the Downtown Kingston area, particularly south of the Police Headquarters between East Queen Street and Harbor Street. There have been numerous murders in the last 48 hours which appear to be gang related. A curfew was enforced in the area last night.

Americans are strongly advised to refrain from entering this area until further notice and should exercise special caution and vigilance until the potential for violence subsides. Personnel are also reminded to avoid areas where there appear to be traffic blockages and/or where demonstrations are occurring.

Presently, gang violence has NOT affected South Camp Road, which is a major travel corridor to and from Norman Manley International Airport. Should this route become unsafe, the Embassy will notify American citizens and suggest a secondary route.

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.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, tel. (876) 702-6000.  For emergencies after hours, on weekends, and holidays, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy at (876) 702-6000 and asking the marine on duty to connect the call to the Embassy duty officer.

The Consular Agency in Montego Bay is located at St. James Place, 2nd Floor, Gloucester Avenue, tel. (876) 952-0160.

The Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 222 Mirco Center, North sound Road, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, tel. (345) 945-8173.