Army and national police on alert ahead announcement of tax increases

On 23 April 2009 the Jamaican government put the army and the national police on alert ahead of the Finance Ministry's announcement of tax increases on fuel, cigarettes and various other consumer items. The fuel tax will increase 15 percent within a week. Prime Minister Bruce Golding has told Jamaicans that the tax increases are necessary to address a budget gap. There were isolated reports of road blockades in some areas of Kingston immediately following the Finance Ministry's announcement, but there have thus far been no signs of violent unrest. There has been some speculation that the opposition People's National Party will organise violent protests in response to the tax increases, though party officials have denied any such intentions. Soldiers have been deployed to "strategic locations" throughout Jamaica to maintain order in the event of further protests, although the government has not disclosed where these locations are. Travellers should expect possible long lines and supply shortages at petrol stations over the next week. Travellers should monitor local developments and avoid areas where protests are occurring. Protests may occur with little or no warning.