KINGSTON, Jamaica--President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Omar Robinson, in light of the recent travel advisory issued by the United States (US) State Department to its citizens to “exercise increased caution in Jamaica due to crime,” is urging the Government and the Opposition to shore up solutions to the rise in crime, arguing that it threatens tourist arrivals from the US.
In a weekend statement from the JHTA, Robinson is quoted as saying the issue of the travel advisory “potently represents the extent to which spiralling crime is affecting our country, our citizens and also the tourism sector.”
According to the JHTA, the US tourist market is a primary source of income, accounting for 1.2 million visitors between January and November last year, or 7.2 per cent for the period.
“The situation needs urgent and decisive attention,” Robinson stated.
Last Wednesday, the US State Department issued a Level Two travel advisory for Jamaica, warning Americans not to travel to some areas in Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town due to crime. It also cautioned travellers to avoid walking or driving at night, taking public buses, and avoid secluded places, even in resorts.
“Violent crime, such as home invasion, armed robberies and homicide, is common. Sexual assaults occur frequently ... Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” the travel advisory stated.
The US State Department has specifically warned against travelling to Mountain View Avenue, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, Arnett Gardens, Standpipe, Grants Pen, and Cassava Piece, among other places in Kingston. For the resort city of Montego Bay, it has prohibited Government personnel from travelling to Flanker, Canterbury, Norwood, Rose Heights, Clavers Street, and Hart Street.
Robinson contended that his association has expressed its concerns on the upsurge in crime on several occasions, and has met National Security Minister Robert Montague and Commissioner of Police George Quallo in an attempt to provide support from the sector in resolving the lack of resources that plague the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
“We made offers for the purchase of motorbikes or whatever resources were needed, but the offer was not acted upon,” Robinson said.
Still, the JHTA president is resolute that his organisation is prepared to help the Government “in any way necessary” with the support of other lobby groups, including the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. He has proposed that the Government meet with them to create “a plan of action to permanently address crime and general indiscipline in the society”. ~ Jamaica Observer ~
