The Government of Canada has updated the emergency status for Jamaica on a travel advisory due to a continued high level of violent crimes.

In an advisory, the Canadian government noted that the Jamaican Government has declared a state of emergency effective until October 19 for the central parishes of Clarendon and St Catherine.

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It added that a further a state of emergency is

effective until October 28 for the western parishes of St James, Hanover and

Westmoreland – areas that include the tourist resort towns of Montego Bay and

Negril.

In addition, a state of emergency has been declared for sections

of the Corporate Area.

A ‘high degree of caution’ is issued when there, “are

identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation

could change with little notice.” As such, tourists must exercise a high degree

of caution at all times, as well as monitor local media and follow the

instructions of local authorities.

The advisory states that, “violent crime, including armed

robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities despite the presence of police

to counter criminal activity. The availability of firearms is widespread, and

most violent drug and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms.

If you are staying at a resort in an affected area, you are advised to restrict

your movements beyond resort security perimeters.”

Canadians who may want to travel outside of the resort have been urged to use transportation arranged or provided by the resort.