JAMAICA: CRICKET - Jamaica crime reputation should not be a barrier for World Cup cricket visitors, say officials

The roots of cricket run deep in Jamaica. Some of the greatest of all West Indies cricketers have come from this island nation of just under three million, and it's rich history in the game is to be recognised on March 11, when cricket fans around the world tune in to watch the opening ceremony of the 2007 World Cup at Trelawny Stadium in Montego Bay. For Jamaica, as for all World Cup host nations, the tournament will bring tens of thousands of visitors in addition to those the tourism industry attracts every year. Unlike its neighbours though, Jamaica is saddled with a reputation as one of the most dangerous and crime-ridden countries in the Caribbean. In 2006, the country registered 1340 murders and 2008 robberies although officials are keen to stress that not only do the statistics show an improvement over the previous year, but that the vast majority of these crimes are aimed at other Jamaicans, rather than tourists. "The fact is that visitors who come to Jamaica are safe.' says Industry and Tourism Minister Aloun Ndomet-Assamba. " We do have our challenges in terms of activities that take place but it is not focused on visitors. Our record of difficulties in terms of crime with visitors is very, very low, almost non-existent." Critics however,say that can be easily explained by the fact that visitors very rarely leave their secure hotel compounds because of the crime threat. Indeed, many travellers come to Jamaica forewarned by their own governments. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website says "Violent crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping and murder, is common, particularly in the Old Kingston area. There is also a high incidence of crime in West Kingston, Grant's Pen, Tivoli Gardens, August Town, Harbour View, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Mountain View, Trench Town and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, Flankers and Mount Salem in Montego Bay (excluding resort areas) and Spanish Town. Violent crime is often gang-related and perpetrators may be armed. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly in Old Kingston." A similar warning is posted by the government of the United Kingdom. "Violent crime remains Jamaica's top challenge, with direct links to crime in the UK.', it says. "The murder rate remains among the highest in the world (about 59 per 100,000), though 2006 has seen a reduction in the overall number of homicides, compared to the previous year." Jamaica's Assistant Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington admits that his country has a problem with crime but that a recent emphasis on community policing has helped contain it. He says that World Cup visitors have nothing to fear. "We have worked out a security regime around the tournament that can secure it and make it successful. while at the same time retaining the capacity to deal with the local crime problem. Therefore my word to anyone wishing to come to Jamaica for the tournament is that we can guarantee them a free, safe secure environment in which to enjoy the tournament", he says. The Industry and Tourism Minister also urges that visitors use common sense during their stay. "Be careful where you go. Don't go into dark areas. Keep in the path where the general public is and as long as you do that, you will be safe in Jamaica.", she says. For all Caribbean host nations, the 2007 World Cup will be an event of unprecedented scale and logistical challenges. The tournament presents a six week window of opportunity for this developing region to put itself on display before the world in the hope of boosting it's international reputation and securing long term growth as a tourist destination. For Jamaica in particular, it will also provide an opportunity to demonstrate that its reputation for crime is no longer deserved.

ITN Source | March 6, 2007

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