Jamaica’s Ambassador to the U.S., Audrey Marks, is confident that there will be positive news when the United States reviews its travel advisory for Jamaica in the coming months. Marks shared that ongoing discussions with the State Department are focused on the advisory, and she anticipates a favorable update during the next review period.
She made these remarks on Saturday during the launch of Avelo Airlines’ inaugural non-stop service between Hartford, Connecticut, and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.”The ambassador was a passenger on the flight.
In January, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, advising its citizens to reconsider travel to the island due to concerns over high crime rates and limited access to healthcare.
At that time Marks called for the advisory to be rescinded as she felt aspects of it distorted the reality on the ground in the tourism-dependent country. During the same period, critics maintained that the tone of the advisory made it stand out from the level three advisory that had been in place since 2022.
In the U.S. State Department’s July travel advisory, a Level 3 warning remained in effect for Jamaica. However, Ambassador Audrey Marks noted a slight softening in the language, reflecting a decrease in major crimes. With a 22% reduction in crime rates, Marks expressed optimism for a more favorable review during the next advisory update in January.
“We have strong data showing a significant drop in crime, and we’ve been sharing the progress made in areas of concern,” Marks said. “We expect a more positive review in the next period.”
Marks also highlighted efforts to improve medical services, addressing concerns about healthcare access, and emphasized Jamaica’s commitment to enhancing safety for visitors. Her team has been actively engaging with U.S. organizations to promote the positive strides being made in the country.
“We’ve been traveling across the U.S., speaking with various groups and emphasizing the positives about Jamaica,” she said. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure people know Jamaica is a safe destination.”
She pointed out that despite more than three million visitors to Jamaica last year, there were only five incidents involving tourists, most of which occurred outside resort areas. “We are addressing all concerns in every area,” Marks assured.
