Jamaica's state of emergency extended; travel continuing as normal

Jamaica’s state of emergency for St. James Parish has been extended until May 2, following a vote in the country’s House of Representatives last week.

In his reasoning for extending the operation in St. James Parish, which includes Montego Bay, The Jamaica Observer reported that Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness cited the need for more time to carry out operations against criminal elements responsible for the recent increase of crime in the region. The original 14-day state of emergency was enacted on Jan. 18.

While the Canadian government’s advisory to travellers remains in effect, airline and resort operations are continuing as normal. In a previous interview with PAX, Philip Rose, the Jamaica Tourist Board's Canadian director, described tourism to the region during the state of emergency as "business as usual."