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Cracking Down on Murder in Jamaica

MURDERER 

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Crime is a big problem for Jamaica, especially in large city centers like Montego Bay or the capital of Kingston. Violent crime is especially prevalent. Such crimes can damage the moral of not only residents, but also visitors. Jamaica has a booming tourist trade, and in an effort to quash the factors that threaten it, the government recently came down hard on local gangs.

During the first 90 days of 2010, Jamaica had 426 murders occur. The government took a leaf from Brazil’s book and began to confront drug dealers and gangs on their own turf, bring in platoons of soldiers and squads of policemen to blanket crime-ridden areas. By increasing an armed presence, crime is decreasing, as evidenced by 2011′s numbers: in the first three months of this year, only 238 people were murdured. While still terrible, the government has touted this 44% drop in the murder rate as evidence that it’s strategy is working. Parts of Kingston have seen as much as a 60% drop in violent crimes.

However, not everyone is happy about this. Various groups complain that the government is isolating the population and that there have been increased instances of abuse propagated by soldiers. In 2009, 253 civilians were killed. The following year, 400 innocents were killed. Jamaicans for Justice, a civil rights group, is upset that the government is making their presence known in such a martial manner. Jamaica still has a long way to go, but with soldiers down on the corner, residents are safer than they were.

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Jamaica: Soaring Crime Levels

Although the island nation of Jamaica is one of the most beautiful in the world, it can be a real nightmare for the innocent tourist, adventurer, explorer or even local residents. You may be wondering what has made this paradise island, the one that gave the world legends such as Bob Marley to be hell. The answer is quite simple; although it is the dream of every tourist, the country has one of the highest rates of criminal activities in the world.

In fact, there was a point when this beautiful island in the Caribbean had the highest crime rate in the whole world! Such is the frighteningly high level of crime in this tiny nation. The commonest criminal activities include murder, kidnapping, carjacking and armed robbery. These activities have become so commonplace, especially in the capital city of Kingston that it has assumed an alarming trend.

However, like every responsible institution, the government of Jamaica has taken necessary measures and steps all aimed at curtailing the evil deeds and activities of the criminally minded elements who want to hold the island to ransom. Measurable progress has been recorded but a lot still needs to be done before the nation is totally rid of crime and criminality.

For the tourists, you are advised to move in groups and never alone, especially in secluded and dark areas. Also, you should not hesitate to contact the local police for help whenever you are in any form of distress. It is also important to know that it is unwise for you to engage in unwarranted displays of affluence, as this will only attract thieves. Driving or strolling late at night even when accompanied should be avoided, and never engage in a fight with anyone, he or she could be a hooligan. Keeping to all these will make your stay on the island more enjoyable.

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Fighting Crime on the Island

It is a known fact that the phenomenon of crime is one that is universal. It is universal in the sense that there is no country on the planet without one form of criminal activity or the other. This is a glaring fact that we have come to live with as humans even in the 21st century where science and technology have taken over everything.

The enchantingly beautiful island of Jamaica is one that is not immune from the criminal activities of the nefarious minds. The case of Jamaica is a unique one in the sense that the beauty of the island has been tarnished by the various crimes and criminality recorded all over the island. The capital city of Kingston is one where the situation is particularly disturbing.

For a country that once had the world’s highest rate of murders, Jamaica is not treating the issue of security lightly. The issue is a very challenging one no doubt but the government is also doing the very best to rein in the dubious activities of the criminals.

Some of the measures taken include the fact that the government has increased the supplies of arms and ammunition to the local police to help combat the rising wave of crime. Apart from the weapons, the government has also supplied the police with increased number of patrol vehicles. In addition, they have also been trained and re-trained in order to be able to face the challenges of modern criminal activities.

The government of Jamaica has also collaborated with various governments, especially those of the United States of America, the Caribbean nations and the nations of Latin America that have united to combat transnational crime. These include drug trafficking, kidnapping and other criminal activities. Although a lot still needs to be done, considerable progress has been made.

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Jamaica: Disturbing Trends in Crime

Without little doubt, the nation of Jamaica is one of the most beloved in the whole world. The reasons for this are quite varied. One is the fact that it is the nation that gave the world the priceless gift of Bob Marley, the greatest reggae musician that has ever lived. Another is that the nation of Jamaica is one that is one of the pearls of tourism, with unmatched potentialities for tourism.

However, these are real facts when Jamaica is being discussed but there are grim facts that must also be considered when Jamaica is the issue. The nation has one of the highest crime rates not only in the Caribbean but also in the world all over. To many people, Jamaica is one of the most violent nations on earth.

Understandably, this is a serious concern for the Jamaican people and government. Just as any responsible government will react, the Jamaican government has put the necessary measures in place to tackle the soaring crime rates. The capital city of Kingston is one that is notorious for unresolved murders, drug trafficking, armed robbery, kidnappings, rape, carjacking and many other criminal activities.

For both local residents and the millions of tourists that pour into this tropical paradise every single year, security is a major issue. Tourists are especially targeted since the prevailing belief is that they are always loaded with hard currency especially dollars. Apart from this, quite a number of tourists are quite naive and trusting. In this regard, they are quite easy prey for the criminally minded elements that litter the island of Jamaica.

In order not to fall prey to these acts of insecurity, there are various tips that are useful for both local residents and tourists alike. It is always useful and beneficial to walk together and one should always avoid suspicious areas.

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