Jamaica: Major security operation in Montego Bay Jan. 18

Event

Local media sources reported on Thursday, January 18, that a major security operation was ongoing in Montego Bay, the capital of Saint James parish. Soldiers from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) have reportedly set up checkpoints to stop and search vehicles in the city. A significant number of security personnel have reportedly been seen in the neighborhoods of Flanker, Norwood, Cambridge, and Rose Heights. The government also placed Saint James parish under a limited state of emergency on Thursday due to an increase in crime rates, notably shootings.

Context

On January 17 Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that the government was going to intensify measures to combat rising crime in the country. According to the Saint James police, there were 335 murders in the parish in 2017, 67 more than were recorded in 2016.

Advice

Individuals present in Saint James parish, particularly in Montego Bay, are advised to remain vigilant, follow all instructions issued by local authorities, and take basic security precautions (e.g. keep signs of wealth concealed, drive with doors locked and windows rolled up, etc.).