cruzan19

Other people in the caribbean tend to avoid jamaica because of the unusual crime rate. However, if you stay in an inclusive area, it should be fine. The crime ridden reputation might be exaggerated??? but ive heard it for years,so might not be that exaggerated; and the stories dont seem to get better.

lawchick

I got held up with a machete 2 seconds after getting out of a taxi in Montego bay.

Nevertheless, I hired a car and drove to kingston. Only problem on the way was that some guys blocked the road and tried to shove drungs into the car - the low and behold there was a police checkpoint 200 yards down the road. The police seemed very upset when they didn't find anything

Yes it is crime ridden, but I liked it.

Don't go if you are gay - it's not the gay friendlies part of the globe.

BRIGHTONGIRL

Thanks Lisa and Tiverton House thats useful. Perhaps I shouldn't have said I felt re-assured about the crime as it has provoked a couple of scary stories. How long ago was that lawchick, and what happened? You didnt sound too bothered or let it spoil your stay. I'm not going to worry too much as its all booked, and I think on balance there are more positive experiences than negative on this site. If we get held up I will offer my aging parents up as hostages. Do you think that would work?

On a more serious note does anyone know if its easy to get milk or nappies outside of the big resorts or AI's. Also was thinking of hiring a car whilst at Time N Place as it seems quite isolated, but not at Treasure beach where things sound more walkable. We are staying at Calabash House in Calabash Bay and hope that we can walk between restaurants and beaches though haven't checked distances. Does this sound realistic?

tivertonhouse

Stop at SuperPlus supermarket/Bogue Plaza in MoBay (see http://superplusfoods.com) for cow's milk, long-life milk, baby needs/pampers/wet ones,etc. There's also a market at Ironshore en route
to Time N Place/and Falmouth markettown
will also have. Kingfisher Plaza in TB has most of small shops/walkable from Calabash House. But I'd stock up on baby stuff on North Coast b4 heading south since supplies are scantier, and nearest market towns to TB are Black River and Junction, each 30 min. distance driving in opposite directions.

tivertonhouse

Better yet, have Elizabeth or JuJu at Calabash House instruct cook to pre-market milk/other supplies into villa and you reimburse them to reeeipts on arrival/will save you tome and thrash...

fnarf999

Don't go if you're gay, or if you care about human rights. You don't have to be approving of homosexuality to be appalled at the physical attacks and complicity of the police. Most Jamaicans think "battyboys" should be casually killed in the street.

StanKase

I believe the crime issue is 10-15 years old and was mostly in and around Port Antonio.
Yes, I know someone who was in Ocho Rios 2-3 years ago and some stones were thrown at the van, NO injuries, but as said often above that could happen in Dallas, L.A., St. Croix, St. Thomas etc.