By Prince Moore
The Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime.
The advisory was issued despite the widespread states of emergency declared by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to curtail the surge in gang violence and murders.
According to the Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories notices, travellers entering Jamaica should exercise a high-degree of caution due to a high level of violent crime.
It advised its citizens that a state of emergency was declared in several parishes until December 19.
The advisory says during this period, security forces have increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest.
It warned citizens that if they are travelling in the affected areas, they may be subject to searches by members of the security forces.
The Canadian government said violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity.
It informed citizens that the availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms.
The advisory further states that there is a risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas and that tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robberies.
Canada told its citizens that crime tends to be concentrated within what the police refer to as "traditional hot spots" or "high-risk communities", but can take place anywhere and at any time.
