Still safe to go or is caution advised?

News reports of violence in Jamaica between security forces and gunmen protecting an accused drug lord took travelers by surprise this week. While most crime in Jamaica is opportunistic and cautious travelers arrive and leave safely, there are worries the violence this week may change that trend.

Jamaica - Under Attack?The heat of the violence is in Kingston (a city generally only visited by business travelers) and has spread to the surrounding slums. According to AP News Wire, 2 officers have been killed since Sunday and 6 wounded. A Canadian news source says more than 30 civilians have died. Most of the victims are from Tivoli Gardens where killings occur daily.

The outbreak occurred when a gang leader, Christopher "Dudus" Coke tried to escape extradition to the U.S. Jamaica is the largest producer of marijuana and the drug networks there are as elaborate and tightly coiled as any organized government.

"If Coke is somehow able to hold out and formally establish his community as a state within a state, then Jamaica's future is bleak," said Brian Meeks, a professor of government at Jamaica's Mona campus of the University of the West Indies.

Despite the fact that crimes against tourists have abated in past years and a push to refurbish cruise ship ports has improved the patina of visiting here, Jamaica maintains the highest murder rate for a country not at war.

Traveling to Jamaica?

If your trip involves any stops near the overcrowded capital of Kingston, start looking at your options. Not surprisingly, more than 300 hotel reservations have already been canceled. 

Jamaican Beaches - ahhhhhh!A state of emergency has been declared and curfews are strictly enforced. During a state of emergency, government agents have the option to conduct searches and detain without a warrant.

Jamaica is a rich and luscious island filled with Reggae, Rastafarians and more beaches than you can ever hope to visit on one vacation. But caution is always advised - state of emergency or not.

• Don't walk outside your resort after dark. Take a cab using the hotel's front desk
• Keep your hotel doors and windows securely locked at all times. If you're given a room on the first floor, take a lesson from Kathleen Ameche and request a move to a higher floor.
• Carry as little cash as possible. Remember, this is an island known for petty thefts against tourists.
• Jamaica is not gay/lesbian friendly. In fact, the homophobia runs so deep sexual acts between men are punishable by 10 years in prison. Contact the following organizations for help planning a trip:
• International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association - http://www.iglta.com/
• Purple Roofs - http://www.purpleroofs.com/ (lists gay-friendly accommodations in Jamaica)
• Healthcare is well below standard in Jamaica, so if you experience a life threatening injury while visiting, you'll want to air-lifted elsewhere. Remember to buy extra insurance!
• While traveler's diarrhea is the most commons illness contracted in Jamaica, Hepatitis A is the second. Get all your vaccines before leaving home.