Cricket World Cup

WARDENS PLEASE PASS March 13, 2007

As the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 begins this week, concerns have been raised over traffic congestion, large crowds of fans, and potential incidents of crime.  CWC matches are scheduled to be played at Sabina Park stadium in Kingston on March 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23, and April 24, 2007.  Matches are expected to begin around 9:00 AM, and will continue for most of the day.  Jamaican officials may utilize plans for traffic control and crowd control, including restricting areas of vehicular traffic, implementing busing options to/from Sabina Park stadium, and restricting personal items that may enter the stadium grounds.  The Embassy offers a few suggestions on how to handle this situation:

Crowds/Congestion/Traffic:

• Learn where areas of congestion may occur.  Be alert to news and radio announcements of street closings and areas of particular congestion and plan to avoid such areas as much as possible.
• Expect heavier traffic than usual throughout Kingston on match days.  Plan travel times accordingly.  Plan your driving routes before beginning your travel, to include one primary route, and at least one alternate route in case of traffic.
• Avoid large crowds and gatherings whenever possible. 
• Advise any personnel/visitors planning to travel to/through/from Jamaica on dates of matches of the problems expected.  Suggest having them arrive or depart on different dates.
• Consider shopping for food, drink and essentials before matches begin to avoid having to venture outside during match dates. 
• Always drive with your vehicle windows up and doors locked. 
• Consider topping off your vehicle’s gas tank.  Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition to avoid breakdowns.
• Consider placing bottled water, and some snacks inside your vehicle in case of heavy traffic.

If you plan to attend any of the CWC matches, consider the following additional security suggestions:

• Travel in groups and with friends, whenever possible.  Groups are less likely to be confronted than individuals traveling alone.
• Consider returning home during daylight hours.  Incidents of crime tend to increase after dark.
• When inside the stadium, consider your location, and plan a primary and alternate route out of the stadium.  Establish a rally location, where you would meet your friends if you become separated.
• Exchange cellular telephone numbers with persons traveling with you in order to communicate if you become separated.
• Consider advising a friend or coworker of your plans for the match (including transportation method, and times you plan to go and return), in case you run into difficulties.
• Don’t wear expensive or flashy clothing or jewelry.  Carry only items that you are willing to give up, if confronted.  Don’t carry more money than you are willing to lose.  Separate your money and valuables in various pockets to decrease the chances of their being stolen.
• Never resist an armed robber.  Comply with demands, slowly relinquish the valuables demanded, and seek police assistance afterwards.

American citizens in Jamaica who require emergency assistance can contact the Embassy at (876) 702-6000.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up to date information on safety and security can be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except on U.S. federal holidays.