Fighting Rages In Jamaica, But Business As Usual For Cruise Lines
News sources around the world are reporting on intense fighting between the police and supporters of a criminal drug leader in Kingstown, Jamaica.
The United States is trying to extradite Christopher Lloyd Coke, also known as "Dudas." He runs a drug operation where cocaine which is is grown by the drug cartels of Colombia is then shipped to Jamaica for distribution to the U.S. and U.K. Dudas has support of the impoverished residents of ghettos in Kingstown who have barricaded sections of the city to keep the law authorities away. The video below paints a grim image of this idyllic cruise destination.
We have written about the issue of crime in the Caribbean ports which has its roots in impoverished communities in the Caribbean which have drug trades. Dubbed the "Murder Capital of the World," Jamaica has the highest murder rate in the world. Just last week there were multiple murders in Falmouth where Royal Caribbean is developing a major port for its new mega-ships the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas.
Unlike cruise itineraries in Alaska which are perfectly safe, the Caribbean is a dangerous place to disembark cruise passengers. Yet, the cruise line continue to market violent destinations like 
Jamaica and the Bahamas as if they were sailing to a tranquil beach resort.
Yesterday, the online cruise community Cruise Critic ran a short article "Jamaica Unrest -- Impact on Cruise Travel?" which mentioned that Jamaican authorities had declared a state of emergency in Kingston after attacks on police stations by gang members. But by the afternoon, the cruise lines' PR people had already kicked into high gear. Cruise Critic "updated" its story: Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean report back that it's business as usual for the lines in Jamaica.
The cruise site even included a photograph of a beautiful tropical beach in Jamaica, surrounded by banners advertising cruises to the Caribbean for as low as $164 per person.
May 25 6:00 P.M. Update:
Dozens killed as Jamaican police hunt alleged drug lord
May 27 Update:
At least 73 dead in Jamaican capital shoot-outs
Credits:
Video Al Jazeera
Photograph Cruise Critic
Jim Walker is a maritime lawyer who has attended seven Congressional hearing on issues of cruise ship crime, passenger disappearances,
I think I'd will skip this area right now !!
"Jamaica has the highest murder rate in the world"
Not true.
I blame Jamaican newspapers (the Gleaner and Observer espec.) for a lot of this 'we are the murder capital of the world' shenanigans. It's almost as if they pride themselves on it, literally appearing unable to resist repeating the sentence at least once in every article.
Though it's barely mentioned, Honduras has a higher murder rate.
Im with islandhopper, do not go here!