03 May 2019 | 12:03 PM UTC
Jamaica: State of emergency declared in three parishes April 30
State of emergency declared in three western Jamaican parishes for 14 days as of April 30; heightened security presence and security operations to be expected over the coming weeks
Event
On Tuesday, April 30, the Jamaican prime minister declared a state of emergency in three of the five parishes located in Cornwall County for an initial period of 14 days. The state of emergency will affect the St James, Hanover and Westmoreland parishes. This decision comes after reports of an increase in serious crimes, particularly murders.
Context
A State of Public Emergency was first declared in multiple parishes, including St. James, on January 18, 2018, due to rising crime rates. It ended on January 31, 2019. During 'states of emergency', police and military personnel are given the authority to search people and buildings, curtail business hours, and detain individuals without a warrant.
Advice
Individuals present in the aforementioned areas, and across greater Jamaica, are advised to remain vigilant, follow all instructions issued by local authorities, and exercise basic security precautions (e.g. keep signs of wealth concealed, drive with doors locked and windows rolled up, etc.)
