A British vacationer was gunned down on 02 January on the visitor home at which he had been staying since 29 December. Sean Patterson, 33 years of age, apparently was accosted at One Love Visitor Home, situated within the Bogue Hill space of St. James. It’s reported Patterson was standing by the pool on the visitor home when witnesses reported there was a loud explosion after which Patterson was shot a number of instances within the head and higher torso.
The motive for the homicide is unknown. Regulation enforcement has in custody a Jamaican male who was deported from the UK in 2013.
UPDATE: 05 January – A reader, @carrybeyond (Twitter) advises that the killing of Patterson might have been a “contract killing”
Read Securely Travel’s Country Brief on Jamaica.
The UK Authorities journey recommendation to their residents highlights the violence and crime prevalent in some areas of Jamaica. Excerpt follows:
Crime
Crime ranges are excessive, notably in and round sure areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. Gang violence and shootings are widespread, and whereas these incidents are typically confined to interior metropolis neighbourhoods there have been latest incidents exterior of those the place the chance of changing into a collateral sufferer does exist. Be particularly cautious should you’re travelling to West Kingston, Grant’s Pen, August City, Harbour View, Spanish City and sure components of Montego Bay, together with Flankers, Barrett City, Norwood, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem.
The motive for many assaults on vacationers is theft. There are cellular police patrols, however you must take steps to guard your self and your belongings. Be vigilant always, even should you’re staying with family and friends. Don’t stroll alone in remoted areas or on abandoned seashores, even in the course of the day. Take specific care when withdrawing cash from ATMs. Don’t carry giant quantities of money or put on eye-catching jewelry. Attempt to differ which eating places you utilize. Utilizing the identical place too typically may make you a goal for thieves. Keep away from utilizing buses at night time.
Most lodges and resorts are properly guarded, however robberies can happen. Comply with lodge safety procedures. Use lodge protected, lock home windows and doorways and report suspicious exercise. In case you are in residential lodging, be sure that correct door locks and window grilles are fitted and take into account using a guard and becoming a home alarm. Gated and guarded compounds are usually the most secure kind of lodging.
Criminals have focused visiting British nationals and people returning to resettle completely in Jamaica. Earlier than returning to resettle, search recommendation from the Jamaican Excessive Fee in London and the native Jamaican Data Service. The Jamaican Constabulary Drive have produced a safety and security guide for returning residents.
There have been some violent incidents, together with armed theft, homicide and rape. There’s additionally a danger of sexual assault in opposition to vacationers. You must preserve a excessive degree of private security consciousness, together with at well-liked occasions. The FCDO has guidance for women travelling abroad that could be useful.