Jamaica’s U.S. ambassador, Audrey Marks, is not happy with the recently updated Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, issued by the State Department. She has labeled the claims made by the advisory about crime and healthcare inaccuracy.
The Level 3 travel advisory stated that violent crimes are common in Jamaica, and even went on to mention that sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. However, the advisory lacked specific details to support these claims. Ambassador Marks believes that these assertions distort the reality and facts in Jamaica.
In addition to the claims of frequent crimes, the advisory also mentioned that local police often fail to effectively respond to serious incidents and that healthcare services and hospital care on the island are inconsistent, lacking high-level or specialized care. Marks disputes these assertions, emphasizing that the advisory is misrepresenting the truth about Jamaica.
Marks took to Facebook to publicly express her disagreement with the revised travel advisory. She shared a fact sheet compiled by Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, which counters the claims made by the State Department. Marks also highlighted the potential negative economic impact of the advisory and urged Jamaicans to rally together to reverse it.
The U.S. Embassy in Kingston responded to the controversy surrounding the travel advisory, issuing a statement on social media. The embassy claimed that the advisory was a routine release and not timed with any other issue. They assured that they would continue working with the Jamaican government and local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Jamaica.
With the public disagreement between Ambassador Marks and the State Department, it is evident that Jamaica is determined to challenge the perception of high crime rates and inadequate healthcare. The country’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade’s fact sheet provides an alternative perspective, aiming to showcase the reality and facts about Jamaica.
The revised travel advisory for Jamaica has triggered a debate over the accuracy of its claims about crime and healthcare. Ambassador Marks, along with the Jamaican government, is pushing for a reversal of the advisory, as they believe it distorts the truth about the country. Whether the State Department will heed their concerns and reevaluate their claims remains to be seen.
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