Jamaica
Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a dropoff in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office, and a more conservative government installed. Political violence marred elections during the 1990s.
While there are no known direct threats to visitors or expatriates in Jamaica, gang violence and shootings frequently affect Kingston's inner city areas, and briefly flared up into broader violence and fatalities within Kingston in July and October 2001 when national guard troops were called out to restore order. Incidents of violence, including reprisal attacks, have been reported in inner-city areas of Montego Bay as well.
Organized as well as impromptu political demonstrations sometimes occur, during which demonstrators often construct roadblocks. The roads leading to Norman Manley International Airport can be vulnerable to such stoppages. Visitors should take common-sense precautions, monitor news reports, and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on the north coast has not experienced as many problems with road blockages and demonstrations.
P J Patterson became President in 1992 and was confirmed in the post with a landslide victory in the 1993 elections. The Government committed itself to continuing economic reform. Demands for constitutional and electoral reform continued, and the opposition parties repeatedly accused the Government of deliberately delaying progress towards such reform (a new electronic voter registration system was installed in 1996 and new electoral rolls completed in late 1997).
The country's poor economic performance (with a high inflation rate and increasing trade deficit) compounded widespread dissatisfaction with the Government throughout 1994-95 and again in 1999.
The Patterson government's attempt to raise fuel and other prices in April 1999 resulted in widespread protest. The protesters blocked roads and some incidents of looting and burning reported in Kingston and Montego Bay. After a week of demonstrations, the government relented and rolled back some of the price hikes.
