The US Embassy in Jamaica has issued a security alert to its nationals on the island, as a result of the strike by taxi and bus operators and associated violence in the country.

The strike, which is today (November 15) in its second of three planned days, has caused the embassy to advise all Americans in Jamaica to avoid using taxis, route taxis, micro-buses or municipal buses.

The embassy pointed out that, “as a regular practice, US Embassy Kingston personnel are prohibited from travel on public transportation due to concerns regarding security and vehicle safety”.

The embassy added: “Media and Embassy personnel reports indicate that taxi and bus operators and their supporters in several communities are taking extreme efforts to prevent drivers from picking up paying passengers.”

The embassy noted that instances of violence and threats have been reported against commercial drivers and their passengers.

‘PROFESSIONAL CLOWN’ BEHAVED IN THREATING MANNER

On the first day of the strike, 32-year-old Ramone Silvera, described by the police as a “professional clown”, was arrested and charged with assault of the common law, disorderly conduct and using indecent language after he was captured on video that went viral on social media. In the video, Silvera, with a length of board in his hand, was seen ordering passengers to exit a cab while behaving in a threatening and intimidating manner and using expletives.

Silvera, of Kellyman Terrace, is to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on January 12 to answer to the charges.  

In its alert, the embassy advised its nationals to take the following actions:

• Monitor local media for updates.
• Avoid travel on public transportation.
• Avoid crowds and demonstrations, especially near transportation hubs.