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Durrant Pate/ Contributor

Jamaica remains on Canada’s travel advisory watch list with the latest posting released last week advising nationals of the North American country to exercise a high degree of caution on the island due to the high level of violent crime.

“Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, 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,” the advisory said.

The advisory points to the risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas. “Tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robbery. Crimes tend to be concentrated within what the police refer to as “traditional hot spots” or ‘high-risk communities’ but can take place anywhere and at any time,” the advisory said.

It lists several communities in ‘Greater Kingston’, such as Arnett Gardens, August Town, Cassava Piece, Delacree Park, Denham Town, Drewsland, Grant’s Pen, Greenwich Town, parts of St Catherine, Montego Bay and South Coast, for Canadians to exercise caution when visiting.

The advisory said local authorities periodically declare a state of emergency in various parishes to fight against gang-related crime. It said there have been reports of sexual assaults at tourist resorts carried out by resort staff and, in some cases, by other tourists and that women travelling alone are often harassed. 

The advisory also listed several Caribbean destinations.

The Bahamas

Risks: High rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.

Reasons: Robberies also occur in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas in Nassau and Freeport, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas.

Violent crime occurs and is often related to gang activity. Most crime occurs on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. The Bahamas has a high murder rate, but incidents mostly occur in downtown Nassau in non-tourist areas after dark.

Belize

Risks: High levels of violent crime throughout the country

Reasons: Gang violence is a significant concern in Belize, particularly in Southside Belize City. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes. Clashes occur frequently between gangs to gain control over territories for illegal activities.

Violent crime is also a major concern elsewhere in the country, including in Belmopan. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Criminals may target tourists, including at resorts. They often operate in groups and sometimes target individuals travelling alone.

Cuba

Risks: Shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine and fuel.

Reasons: Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities, including food, bottled water, public water supply, medication, fuel and hard currency. Fuel shortages affect a wide range of services.

Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. 

There are often long line-ups at gas stations that have led to altercations.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Theft generally happens in crowded places such as tourist areas, markets, public buses, nightclubs and beaches.

Ecuador

Risks: High levels of crime.

Reasons: Ecuador is in a state of “internal armed conflict.” There is an increased presence of security forces to contain gang violence across the country, including in Guayaquil and Quito. Violent crime is a significant concern throughout Ecuador. Drug trafficking, transnational organised crime and street gang activity are prevalent. 

Crimes can occur during the day in tourist destinations. Tourists, including Canadians, have been assaulted in downtown areas, on hiking trails, at beaches, in public parks and outside banks.

Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings at all times, ensure that their belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times, avoid travelling after dark, and in isolated or deserted areas, and avoid showing signs of affluence.

Honduras

Risks: Crime

Reasons: Although the overall situation has slightly improved since 2022, violent crime remains a concern throughout Honduras. The country retains one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

Many Hondurans are armed. Guns and other weapons, such as machetes and knives, are frequently used. Incidents of armed robbery occur mainly on urban streets during the day and on intercity buses at night.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Thefts commonly occur in popular tourist areas, bus terminals and airports, shopping malls and hotel lobbies, and restaurants, including patios.

The advisory offers tips to avoid becoming a victim. Travellers should be suspicious of recent acquaintances or strangers approaching, avoid accepting rides or invitations from strangers, avoid hitchhiking, ensure that belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secured at all times, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and avoid showing signs of affluence.