KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard of the New York Police Department (NYPD) is moving to cast a new light on the US State Department’s travel advisory for Jamaica, offering a counter-narrative that underscores the island’s safety for tourists.

According to a news release on Friday, this comes in light of concerns raised in the advisory issued late last month. The latter cautioned tourists against visiting the island due to ‘crime and medical services.’

The release stated that Sheppard’s observations, ‘grounded in both statistical evidence and personal experiences, affirm the efforts of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in maintaining law and  order, and ensuring the safety of visitors.’

“The statistics I’ve seen do not justify the concerns outlined in the travel advisory,” Sheppard noted.

Sheppard was speaking during a joint-interview with a group of US-based journalists. The JCF’s Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson also sought to reassure travelers and international partners that the island remains a safe and vibrant destination. Also drawing on statistics, the top cop said recent data shows a marked decrease in major crimes, with murders down by 7.8 per cent and shootings by approximately 6 per cent, marking Jamaica’s lowest level of crime in more than 22 years.

Anderson further highlighted that the downward trend in crime is as a result of the JCF’s strategies in combatting violence and ensuring public safety.

“Our numbers are going down, which reflects the effectiveness of our efforts to tackle crime across the island,” Anderson stated, highlighting the disconnect between the advisory and the actual situation.

According to the release, the collaboration between the NYPD and the JCF further exemplifies the shared commitment to public safety and crime prevention.