Jamaica issues state of emergency in response to surging crime that includes tourist haven Montego Bay

close

Video

Missing woman in Caribbean vanished from boat while boyfriend was asleep

Jeff Jones discusses the search underway for Sarm Heslop, who disappeared in the Virgin Islands overnight from a catamaran with her boyfriend.

Rising crime in Jamaica has caused the country’s prime minister to declare a state of emergency in several areas, including the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday declared a state of public emergency in parts of the capital city Kingston and in some central and western parishes in an attempt to control rising crime linked to gang violence.

States of emergency give authorities increased powers, including the ability to search buildings and carry out arrests without warrants. Tuesday's measures apply to areas that include popular tourist destinations such as Montego Bay.

Montego Bay is one of the more popular resort areas for American tourists in the Caribbean and is home to several prominent hotels including Sandals' all-inclusive flagship location, Sandals Montego Bay.

MEXICO BEACHGOERS AT POPULAR TOURIST AREA FIND 3 DEAD BODIES WITH TORTURE MARKS WASHED ASHORE

Montego Bay, Jamaica (Will Twort/Jamaica Tourist Board/dpa)

Last month, the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning suggesting that Americans reconsider traveling to Jamaica due to rising crime, explaining that "the homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere."

"Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common," the warning said. "Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents."

ALLEGED MACHETE ATTACK ON AMERICAN IN CANCUN HIGHLIGHTS TOURIST DESTINATION RISK

Members of security forces guard the streets as Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday declared a state of public emergency in parts of the capital Kingston, and in some parishes in the central and western parts of the country (Reuters/Gilbert Bellamy)

Jamaican officials said that 1,360 murders have taken place on the island between Jan. 1 and Nov. 13 of this year, which represents an increase of 6.8% from the same period in 2021.

Gang violence is said to be the reason for 71% of those murders.

VIRGINIA NAACP LEADER KILLED IN AMBUSH DURING TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS VACATION

Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica (David I Muir/Jamaica Tourist Board/dpa-tmn)

"We have seen an increase in criminal activities in these areas and a threat to property and in some instances public disorder," Holness said during a televised address.

"What we are seeing with gang activities in these areas is cause for grave concern," he added.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Holness predicted an increase in murders over the next several weeks with the onset of the holiday season, when violent crime typically spikes.

Reuters contributed to this report