UPDATED: US Embassy reiterates warning to Americans over travel to Jamaica
Published:Wednesday | October 25, 2023 | 11:51 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The United States Embassy in Kingston on Tuesday reminded that country's citizens to think carefully before travelling to Jamaica under the current high-crime climate.
The call came following Tuesday’s publication of a Gleaner story on the murder of an American woman, allegedly at the hands of her son.
The 54-year-old woman, Marvel Johnson, was the second American killed in the island in a month.
After being contacted by The Gleaner, a spokesperson for the US Embassy said the safety and security of Americans continue to be its chief priority.
“ ... We ask that US citizens travelling to Jamaica be guided by the US State Department’s travel advisory (issued in May), which currently recommends that US citizens reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. US government personnel are prohibited from travelling to many areas due to the risk,” the embassy told The Gleaner.
It said travellers who decide to visit Jamaica should read the travel advisory and participate in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
According to relatives, Johnson, who was stabbed to death about 7:20 0n Monday morning, was reportedly on a visit to Jamaica to complete the construction of a house.
A family friend told The Gleaner that the murder seemingly stemmed from a dispute over money.
The Gleaner understands that the family is originally from St Mary and that on the day of the incident, the accused journeyed from his home in the Red Hills area of St Andrew to the Wavell Avenue home at which his mother was staying.
Residents summoned the police after hearing a loud commotion and screams for help.
The police discovered the wounded Johnson and took her to the Kingston Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Her son was taken into custody.
On September 23, another American woman, Shirnet Hammond, was killed while returning from a funeral in a taxi.
It is reported that a gunman opened fire at the vehicle in the Red Pond area of St Catherine, hitting Hammond multiple times in the head and upper body.
Last week, detectives charged Caret Rutherford with her murder.
More than 1,300 people have been murdered in Jamaica so far this year.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this article did not indicate that the US Embassy's statement was in response to a request for comment from The Gleaner and that it was not a renewal but a reiteration of the warning.