Warden Message: Kingston, Jamaica Increased Gun Violence
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Americas - Jamaica
11 Sep 2009
U.S. Embassy Kingston issued the following Warden Message on September 11:
The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens in Jamaica to precautions they should take if they encounter gunfire, and to provide security information about rumors of tensions in the Tivoli Gardens neighborhood in Kingston. The Embassy also reminds U.S. citizens of the crime information provided in the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.
Over the past week, gunshots have been reported in the Manor Park area of New Kingston. Although the Jamaica Constabulary Force has not confirmed these alleged shootings, gunfire is frequently heard around Kingston. If you hear gunfire or are caught in the middle of gunfire:
Always be aware of your surroundings. Seek immediate cover.
Whenever possible, carry a cell phone with up-to- date contact information for emergencies.
When gunfire or explosions are heard, immediately move to a safe area with good cover. For example look for something substantial to hide behind (large trees, vehicles, concrete barriers); seek cover in a room made of solid construction (e.g. concrete, steel, etc.); stay away from doors and windows; and do not venture out to observe.
Immediately convey the sense of danger/threat to those around you.
If possible, report to the police what you are observing.
If you encounter gunfire when in a vehicle, immediately leave the area if safe to do so. Do not attempt to drive through an area affected by gunfire or explosions. If you are in a safe area, remain there until it is safe to move.
The U.S. Embassy also reminds its employees and family members to remain vigilant regarding rumors circulating within the community concerning tensions in and around the Tivoli Gardens neighborhood in Kingston. The Embassy is not aware of any threats to any of its employees or their family members, or American-owned facilities or U.S. citizens. The last time the police had to take action in Tivoli Gardens, 27 people were killed including one police officer.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website at
http://kingston.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at
www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/saf ... _1747.html, which includes valuable security information for living and/or traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Citizens living and residing in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system,
https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also register by visiting the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or our consular agencies in Montego Bay and Georgetown, Cayman Islands, during business hours.
Emergencies involving American citizens can be reported by contacting the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, telephone (876) 702-6450; after hours emergency telephone (876) 702-6000; Consular Section fax (876) 702-6018; and e-mail at
KingstonACS@state.gov. The U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay is located at St. James Place, Second Floor, Gloucester Avenue, telephone (876) 952-0160. The U.S. Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 118 Dorcy Drive, Suite B-1, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, telephone (345) 945-8173.