Robberies in Jamaica

[JYD Hawkeye]

Buddy of mine that is cruising with us said his friend just got back from Jamaica and their tour was followed by armed personnel due to abnormal amount of robberies there. Anyone else experienced this lately or heard about this ?

[trev71]

Yikes I hope not we are going there in May.. regardless I don't carry a lot of money with me while in Jamaica maybe 40$ to 50$ cash between Dw and I. Hopefully someone sheds some light on this topic

[Lionesss]

WOW

Been to Jamaica 4 x's and always left the port for excursions, and have not encountered a problem.

Of course we have never left on our own, and will only travel in a ship excursion.

Hopefully if this does arise I am sure the cruise ships will alert passengers and or cancel excursions. Especially ones they sponsor and have to monitor. Dont want to have a lot of angry passengers.

Sea Ya

[mrsfuzzmo]

Nope, just had a group of 10 there and they absolutely LOVED it!! Did not feel unsafe, threatened or in danger at all. Loved loved loved it.

[Vyhanek]

A few years ago I was on an NCL sponsored excursion, on an air conditioned tour bus waiting for other passengers to board at Dunes River Falls. A guy walked onto our tour bus and went thru the aisles "asking" people for money. The bus driver snuck off and got a police officer right away and he was escorted off without much trouble. It was really scary. No one was robbed but it could have turned very badly.

 

Don't believe anyone that tells you they feel safe. All you have to do is look around. You will see people eying your bags, once you get back on the ship after your day in port you will hear other similar stories I bet. On the same day as my experience ^^, I met a girl who had her Oakley sunglasses stolen. They were ripped right off her neck....they were attached with a cord. Be on guard. Don't believe anyone that tells you it's perfectly safe. It doesn't compare to May-bury or even a scary part of Detroit. It's much worse. My advice, take an organized tour....not Dunes river! and stay away from the port area as much as possible.

[JYD Hawkeye]

We are going on island tour with a group with a well reccomended company. We went outside the gate last year and people started pulling on me trying to get me to go look at their stuff. Now, I and a 6'1" , 240 lb. biker that doesn't put up with having hands laid on me. I was afraid that I would get arrested and have to stay in a Caribbean jail for smackin one of them. We went back in the gate and then shortly went back on the ship.

[jazzlover04]

A few years ago I was on an NCL sponsored excursion, on an air conditioned tour bus waiting for other passengers to board at Dunes River Falls. A guy walked onto our tour bus and went thru the aisles "asking" people for money. The bus driver snuck off and got a police officer right away and he was escorted off without much trouble. It was really scary. No one was robbed but it could have turned very badly.

 

Don't believe anyone that tells you they feel safe. All you have to do is look around. You will see people eying your bags, once you get back on the ship after your day in port you will hear other similar stories I bet. On the same day as my experience ^^, I met a girl who had her Oakley sunglasses stolen. They were ripped right off her neck....they were attached with a cord. Be on guard. Don't believe anyone that tells you it's perfectly safe. It doesn't compare to May-bury or even a scary part of Detroit. It's much worse. My advice, take an organized tour....not Dunes river! and stay away from the port area as much as possible.

 

You can believe one person who says they felt safe. Me. I laugh at these people who say they felt threatened or intimidated , yet can not give any rationale behind it. It's no different than any other unfamiliar place you've been, just be smart and aware of your surroundings.

[SugarAddict]

My husband and I felt safe at the port. We did not go outside of the port except when we left in a private tour bus. The locals right outside of the port looked like they could be trouble. I wouldn't recommend venturing outside the port by yourself.

[#1TravelMom]

We traveled from Falmouth to Dunn's River and tubing with Steve's Jamaica Tours. We had a spectacular day. We never felt the least bit threatened or unsafe.

[Rosieo]

We have traveled outside the port several times, always on our own. Never with a ships tour. We felt completely safe on all the excursions we took. Once we even hired one of the taxis to just drive us around and he took us to see some pretty nice things. So to say don't believe anyone that says they feel safe is an awful statement to make, you have no idea how I felt. Go, venture outside the port and enjoy the island. But like all places, be aware of your surroundings!

[OCruisers]

Buddy of mine that is cruising with us said his friend just got back from Jamaica and their tour was followed by armed personnel due to abnormal amount of robberies there. Anyone else experienced this lately or heard about this ?

 

Wonder which tour this was?

 

LuLu

~~~~

[Blk_Amish]

A few years ago I was on an NCL sponsored excursion, on an air conditioned tour bus waiting for other passengers to board at Dunes River Falls. A guy walked onto our tour bus and went thru the aisles "asking" people for money. The bus driver snuck off and got a police officer right away and he was escorted off without much trouble. It was really scary. No one was robbed but it could have turned very badly.

 

Don't believe anyone that tells you they feel safe. All you have to do is look around. You will see people eying your bags, once you get back on the ship after your day in port you will hear other similar stories I bet. On the same day as my experience ^^, I met a girl who had her Oakley sunglasses stolen. They were ripped right off her neck....they were attached with a cord. Be on guard. Don't believe anyone that tells you it's perfectly safe. It doesn't compare to May-bury or even a scary part of Detroit. It's much worse. My advice, take an organized tour....not Dunes river! and stay away from the port area as much as possible.

 

Is that like saying don't believe anyone who say they feel loved, desired, beautiful, ect. It's a feeling and those can never be disputed. Your whole post lost credibility with that simple approach. People feel what they feel which may not reflect the reality.

Edited December 23, 2013 by Blk_Amish

[mrsfuzzmo]

Is that like saying don't believe anyone who say they feel loved, desired, beautiful, ect. It's a feeling and those can never be disputed. Your whole post lost credibility with that simple approach. People feel what they feel which may not reflect the reality.

 

Exactly. I've spent a lot of time in Jamaica, both off of cruises and for weeks land stays and not once did I feel unsafe. Believe me or not, it's how I felt. I'm a well-seasoned traveler, like to experience how others live and enjoy the people of Jamaica very much. Yes, there will be people who are afraid of the culture...it can be intimidating if you don't know what it's like, but like others said, unless you experience it for yourself, how can you every know if you like it or not.

[twinbee]

I was in Jamaica in November with 17 family members and we did not feel "unsafe" However, we did do a private tour. Jamaica is such a beautiful country and has so much to offer.

[Blk_Amish]

Exactly. I've spent a lot of time in Jamaica, both off of cruises and for weeks land stays and not once did I feel unsafe. Believe me or not, it's how I felt. I'm a well-seasoned traveler, like to experience how others live and enjoy the people of Jamaica very much. Yes, there will be people who are afraid of the culture...it can be intimidating if you don't know what it's like, but like others said, unless you experience it for yourself, how can you every know if you like it or not.

 

Fact is poor, black folks make some people 'feel' unsafe. Its a feeling they have a right to, so who's to say don't believe it. What's next, don't belive anyone who said they went and came back alive:D

 

I am Jamaican but grew up in the US. On my last 2 trips there were times I truly felt overwhelmed. I wanted to slow down, be left alone, but there was always something trying to get my attention. There were times I was thinking words no Christian person should. On top of this the men who truly believe they are the reason you are there, really:D On the beach I got offered weed, which to the person is not a drug. When I refused he told me it was pineapple flavor, so I told him I prefer the mango flour. You guess that pineapple flour just became mango. Like cruising I limit my trips to make the most of the experience. It's not for everyone, regardless of the feeling.

Edited December 23, 2013 by Blk_Amish

[MS52]

My husband has a friend who is employed on a cruise ship. For what it's worth, here's what he said.....

 

Inside the port area there is plenty to do. they have regualr stores like DQ and Nathans Hotdogs, but go to the shack called "Tasties Jamaican Patties" and get a beef pattie or two. $3 and it is a classic and delicious Jamaican food. .

If you go outside the port have a buddy or two. Don't take taxis and be careful who you talk to. There are a bunch of locals outside the gate that will offer you "tazi" rides or drugs. Then if you stop to chat they will harrass you, take you on a ride to "the beach" where if you do not buy their drugs they will beat you up and rob you. However, just act like it's a city, like DC. Just say no thank you and keep walking. I went outside the port with 5 other kids and we went a couple blocks into town and to a grocery store. Inside the port is safe, but outside is classic jamaca. So I would venture out, but be smart about it.

The last two sentences say it all. Enjoy, but be smart.

Edited December 26, 2013 by MS52
sorry, I don't know what the type is so small - I tried to change with no luck

[phoenix_dream]

Perhaps those who are trying to shame those who feel unsafe might want to look at sources with a lot more information on the issue - specifically the US State Department. Here is just some of the wording from their site:

 

"CRIME: Crime, including violent crime, is a serious problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay and other major tourist areas. While the vast majority of crimes occur in impoverished areas, random acts of violence, such as gunfire, may occur anywhere. The primary criminal concern for tourists is becoming a victim of theft. In several cases, armed robberies of U.S. citizens have turned violent when the victims resisted or were slow in handing over valuables. Crime is exacerbated by the fact that police are understaffed and often ineffective. "

 

The fact is, anyone who thinks Jamaica is safe is fooling themselves. Of course there are many lovely people there, and of course not everyone will be a victim of crime. But having your head in the sand is not a particularly smart approach.

[jackdiamond]

Phoenix, you are correct.

[mitsugirly]

We just came back from Jamaica last week on our cruise and we booked an AI excursion with Resort For a Day. We book an AI because it's secluded and the locals can't just walk up on you and harrass you. (I did have a bad experience when I was in my 20's that made me feel VERY uncomfortable and was taken for a bunch of money).

 

When we were on our trip there was a lady there that said there was a recent incidence that a local tried to rob a lady by slicing her purse off her arm with a knife. Instead it sliced her arm. She happen to have another person on the same cruise by them who was a doctor and another that was a surgeon. They took her back to the ship where she was treated by the ship doctor and stitched up.

 

I'm not sure if this is what you are referring to or not. It's just the story I heard.

[Keel Haul]

I work in Jamaica about 35yrs ago. This is still one of my best mates(clic on pic to make bigger) who made sure I did not get into trouble then.I feel as safe in Jamaica as I do in comparable parts of the US.My friend used to live in Kingston but has retired to Spanish Town for a quiet life.:eek:

 

My wife and I have a favorite Cuban/Haitian breakfast place on Kendal Drive Dade, the last time we were there the next door Nail Salon was robbed and the owner, perp and a client died. What amazed me was a waiter just locked the door and everyone carried on eating as the guns blazed.

 

Visit Daves Lobsters in Oc/Ri they are the best.

[Blk_Amish]

If you have to come on a message board to be convinced Jamaica is safe for you, the answer is NO, don't go because you won't be missed. On a good day, the culture can be overwhelming. I know the game and has written some of the plays but I can still be caught off guard. Jamaica delivers with smoking weed, hot men, sizzling women, spicy good, and heated lyrics but can easily get lost in the ugly part being the culture itself. I am finished with certain aspects of the culture, that even as an expat, I won't take my kids there. However its not the areas most tourist would be coming across.

 

The place is not for everyone or even every time for those who love it.

[Husky61]

Wonder which tour this was?

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

Probably in Detroit.:D

[jazzlover04]

Perhaps those who are trying to shame those who feel unsafe might want to look at sources with a lot more information on the issue - specifically the US State Department. Here is just some of the wording from their site:

 

"CRIME: Crime, including violent crime, is a serious problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay and other major tourist areas. While the vast majority of crimes occur in impoverished areas, random acts of violence, such as gunfire, may occur anywhere. The primary criminal concern for tourists is becoming a victim of theft. In several cases, armed robberies of U.S. citizens have turned violent when the victims resisted or were slow in handing over valuables. Crime is exacerbated by the fact that police are understaffed and often ineffective. "

 

The fact is, anyone who thinks Jamaica is safe is fooling themselves. Of course there are many lovely people there, and of course not everyone will be a victim of crime. But having your head in the sand is not a particularly smart approach.

 

Perhaps you missed the start of this topic. No one has said Jamaica was completely safe. People may have spoken about their experiences, and not having felt threatened. A big difference in my opinion.

[phoenix_dream]

Perhaps you missed the start of this topic. No one has said Jamaica was completely safe. People may have spoken about their experiences, and not having felt threatened. A big difference in my opinion.

 

"I laugh at these people who say they felt threatened or intimidated , yet can not give any rationale behind it. It's no different than any other unfamiliar place you've been, just be smart and aware of your surroundings. "

 

This is what I was responding to. It is quite different from many other 'unfamiliar' places I have been. No matter how smart and aware you are, you are more at risk in Jamaica than most other islands. Smart and aware does not necessarily protect you from knives and guns. I would feel the same about certain parts of the Chicago area where I live.

[Blk_Amish]

"I laugh at these people who say they felt threatened or intimidated , yet can not give any rationale behind it. It's no different than any other unfamiliar place you've been, just be smart and aware of your surroundings. "

 

This is what I was responding to. It is quite different from many other 'unfamiliar' places I have been. No matter how smart and aware you are, you are more at risk in Jamaica than most other islands. Smart and aware does not necessarily protect you from knives and guns. I would feel the same about certain parts of the Chicago area where I live.

 

I think if you put the numbers out there it might help since feelings don't reflect reality. Do you have the number of tourists to each to the islands and the actual number of reported cases of violence against them. Now one can decided if its worth the risk, for some it always maybe, others not. I don't feel safe in NY, yet I have friends and family that live there happily but I refuse to visit. I think it would be ridiculous if I said they don't feel safe because I don't. The reality of Jamaica is that the precious tourists are protected from the insanity, not to say carp doesn't happen.

 

Hurting your cash cows, doesn't go well for anyone. The tourists buy the weed many locals steal from each other, oops I meant grow, no share. The lonely Stellas take care of the men the local women kick to the curb. Many of the men are taken in by the edginess of the women and most enjoy the food and music. Oh, yeah when no one is messing with you, the place is quite beautiful. As a cash cow you are probably safer than most US cities where you are just a random person but feeling may not reflect reality.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Blk_Amish