NYPD Disagrees with U.S. Embassy in Jamaica’s Latest Issued Travel Advisory Urging Citizens to “Reconsider” Travelling to the Island – Watch Video
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February 10, 2024
The Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD) has contradicted the U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs’ latest travel advisory and declared Jamaica a safe place for tourists.
A level 3 travel advisory was issued on January 23 by the Jamaica U.S. Department of State via the U.S. Embassy for American tourists considering travelling to Jamaica. The advisory warned of the regularity of violent crimes as well as poor public and private medical services and further urged citizens to reconsider travel.
The advisory was followed by immense backlash, with members of the public and government officials labelling the level 3 advisory uncalled for.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard expressed similar sentiments while speaking at a recent joint press conference between the Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, and the NYPD.
Sheppard likened the murders in Jamaica to homicides in New York, stating that if there was a homicide in East New York, that did not mean that you could not visit Times Square.
In addition to stating that tourists were safe in Jamaica, Sheppard said he is impressed by the low rate of crime recorded last year.
According to the deputy commissioner, it was the safest year in the country over the past 22 years. Noting that it was a tremendous accomplishment, Sheppard also described the advisory as “misleading”.
Major General Anderson went on to express surprise that the advisory was issued amid a decline in crime. He further highlighted Jamaica’s low rate of crime against tourists, noting that only 5 Americans were victims of homicide out of the 3 million that travelled to the country in 2023.
Watch the video below.
