Bloodshed in paradise: tourists in Jamaica warned to stay inside resorts as gun crime soars

IT’S one of the world’s most iconic destinations. But tourists are being told to stay inside their resorts after a state of emergency was declared.

AUTHORITIES in Jamaica have declared a state of emergency in areas including the popular tourist town of Montego Bay amid a rise in violent crime.

Tourists are being warned to stay inside their resorts after the Jamaican Government declared a state of emergency in the parish of St. James after a number of “shooting incidents”.

There has been an increase in killings that officials blame on gangs and lottery scams.

Tourists in Jamaica are being warned to stay inside. File image.

Britain’s Foreign Office has told British tourists to stay in the confines of their hotels as a “major military operation” takes place.

"We seek the full cooperation of the citizens of St. James during the State of Public Emergency. As you travel, you will encounter roadblocks and operations, we ask that you give the police and soldiers your full cooperation." - Hon. Robert Montague, Minister of National Security pic.twitter.com/2VPrNCxGb3

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) January 20, 2018

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “(Tourists) should follow local advice including restrictions in selected areas, and exercise particular care if travelling at night.

“(They) should stay in their resorts and limit travel beyond their respective security perimeters.”

Rising gun crime is harming Jamaica’s tourist industry.

Police said businesses and recreational areas are under a temporary curfew, and the state of emergency allows them to search areas without a warrant.

Jamaican PM Andrew Holness has declared a state of emergency.

Simon Calder, the Independent newspaper’s travel editor, said gang crime had been “intensifying”.

Jamaican newspaper the Gleaner reported that there were 335 murders in the St James parish in 2017.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the state of emergency was “necessary” in order to “restore public safety” in the St James area.

Authorities also have imposed a curfew in parts of St Catherine parish located just west of the capital of Kingston.