How safe is Kingston?

[mike42979 57]

Just wanted to know how safe Kingston is, my Fiancee will go there for her interview and will probably have to travel alone. Any suggestions on what taxis to use and not use would also be appreciated as i dont want anything to happen to my angel

[HotPinay-KoolKano 10]

Just wanted to know how safe Kingston is, my Fiancee will go there for her interview and will probably have to travel alone. Any suggestions on what taxis to use and not use would also be appreciated as i dont want anything to happen to my angel

Kingston is not at all safe, one of the most dangerous places in the western hemisphere. As far as what taxi's to use, I hope other VJ'ers can help, otherwise I would advise her to elicite the help of an airline rep while still inside the confines of the terminal.

You might want to post a question in the Jamaican forum.

[mike42979 57]

Kingston is not at all safe, one of the most dangerous places in the western hemisphere. As far as what taxi's to use, I hope other VJ'ers can help, otherwise I would advise her to elicite the help of an airline rep while still inside the confines of the terminal.

You might want to post a question in the Jamaican forum.

what Jamaica forum i only see one for the Caribbean but not Jamaica specifically?

[sjr09 155]

Kingston is not at all safe, one of the most dangerous places in the western hemisphere. As far as what taxi's to use, I hope other VJ'ers can help, otherwise I would advise her to elicite the help of an airline rep while still inside the confines of the terminal.

You might want to post a question in the Jamaican forum.

The OP is posting in the right forum (Latin America, Mexico & the Caribbean) but flying the wrong flag his country should be Jamaica and not the PI!....... That's why it's out of place, and shows up in two regional discussion forums?

OP your Consulate is Jamaica not the PI

Edited July 30, 2011 by sjr09

[sjr09 155]

The OP is posting in the right forum (Latin America, Mexico & the Caribbean) but flying the wrong flag his country should be Jamaica and not the PI!....... That's why it's out of place, and shows up in two regional discussion forums? Or Philippines Portal

OP your Consulate is Jamaica not the PI

EDIT

[mike42979 57]

The OP is posting in the right forum (Latin America, Mexico & the Caribbean) but flying the wrong flag his country should be Jamaica and not the PI!....... That's why it's out of place, and shows up in two regional discussion forums?

OP your Consulate is Jamaica not the PI

Oh hmm i always assumed the flag is to represent the country of the person im petitioning so i put Philippines lol

[Halo33 0]

You can IM me and I will give you some advice about her travel.

[sus 70]

Kingston is not at all safe, one of the most dangerous places in the western hemisphere. As far as what taxi's to use, I hope other VJ'ers can help, otherwise I would advise her to elicite the help of an airline rep while still inside the confines of the terminal.

You might want to post a question in the Jamaican forum.

Please don't give advice on things you don't have first hand knowledge about - I could easily say that the Phillipines isn't safe either and cite you news articles - same for everywhere.

There are areas that are perfectly safe, there are parts of the city that are not safe - just like any major city.

Mike have you made hotel reservations for her? She needs to use a red plate taxi - those are the legal taxi cabs - When she arrives at the airport, there is a JUTA desk that will help her get a taxi - the hotel will do the same. I would suggest she stay at the Wyndham, Liguanea Club, the Hilton - a few others = those are major hotels near to the embassy which have restaurants there. She will be fine with what she needs to accomplish.

[HotPinay-KoolKano 10]

Please don't give advice on things you don't have first hand knowledge about

don't feel no way, but it's common knowledge to most... Ask me how safe is Istanbul? Sorry I have no clue. The fact that I've spent 20 years amassing an impressive collection of rare 7's & sound system dubplates, immersing myself in the culture & gaining facts about Jamaica would be beside the point.

I could easily say that the Phillipines isn't safe either and...

...you would be absolutely correct!

There are areas that are perfectly safe, there are parts of the city that are not safe - just like any major city.

hmm, we have huge geographical areas that are relatively safe. Kingston and Manila have small residential enclaves from Colonial times that are safe, if they will let you past the armed checkpoints to visit them. Just like all major 3'rd world cities.

All my friends who have gone to the Sunsplash Festivals or just vacationed there, as well as any travel agent would advise one to fly to Montego Bay and avoid Kingston like the plague, pity Mike's girl has business to attend to there...

Mike have you made hotel reservations for her? She needs to use a red plate taxi - those are the legal taxi cabs - When she arrives at the airport, there is a JUTA desk that will help her get a taxi - the hotel will do the same. I would suggest she stay at the Wyndham, Liguanea Club, the Hilton - a few others = those are major hotels near to the embassy which have restaurants there. She will be fine with what she needs to accomplish.

That's more like it, back on topic. big up Sus

[mike42979 57]

Ok so use Red plate taxis got it, now anyone know what facility is the best for doing the medical exam at?

[JAPrincess 27]

Ok so use Red plate taxis got it, now anyone know what facility is the best for doing the medical exam at?

Any of the hotels listed by Sus above will have airport transfers available.

They will also be able to secure your fiance' a taxi to the medical appointment.

These are the 3 approved facilities per the embassy website: http://kingston.usembassy.gov/medicalexams.html

Andrews Memorial Hospital

27 Hope Road

Kingston 10

(876) 926-7401-3

Adult: US$90

Children (under 15): US$50

Dr. Althea Banbury

Medical Associates Hospital

18 Tangerine Place

Kingston 10

(876) 920-6362 or 781-6571

Adults: US$90

Children (under 15): US$50

Dr. Michael Banbury

Medical Associates Hospital

18 Tangerine Place

Kingston 10

(876) 908-2123 or 926-1400 ext. 259

Adults: US$90

Children (under 15): US$50

I would go with the one in closest proximity to the hotel she is staying.

You can use google maps to figure that out.

Although Kingston is a high crime place tourists are generally not in danger.

The hotel will assist her in getting what she needs to get done.

Tell her to use common sense, she will be fine.

The medical needs to be done 10 days prior to the interview, will she be staying there for the entire time?

Is it possible for you two to go together and enjoy some quality time?

Jamaica is a beautiful country, and there are plenty of places outside of the city you two could stay while awaiting her medical results and interview.

Best of luck in your journey

[sus 70]

don't feel no way, but it's common knowledge to most... Ask me how safe is Istanbul? Sorry I have no clue. The fact that I've spent 20 years amassing an impressive collection of rare 7's & sound system dubplates, immersing myself in the culture & gaining facts about Jamaica would be beside the point.

Common knowledge to most who have never visited and read the news reports.

hmm, we have huge geographical areas that are relatively safe. Kingston and Manila have small residential enclaves from Colonial times that are safe, if they will let you past the armed checkpoints to visit them. Just like all major 3'rd world cities.

Ummm.,... Point proven again - no small residential enclaves with armed checkpoints...........

All my friends who have gone to the Sunsplash Festivals or just vacationed there, as well as any travel agent would advise one to fly to Montego Bay and avoid Kingston like the plague, pity Mike's girl has business to attend to there...

Point proven again - There is no festival called Sunsplash, it's SUMFEST - and why would someone going to Sumfest fly to Kingston? It's on the opposite side of the country, and would take you about 5 hours to drive there - Most tourists do not fly into Kingston because it is not convenient to the typical tourist destinations - As for the travel agents, most will steer you towards an all inclusive and tell you not to leave the property - but most have never been there, and like you, are speaking from what they have read / heard and have never been there.

I just spent three days in Kingston, have friends who live in Kingston, etc... - It's a fun and vibrant multi-cultural city. Are there areas you want to avoid? Most definitely = but should it be painted as a horrible place with someone holding the paintbrush of ignorance? Definitely not -

Mike, your fiancee will be fine - look towards the hotels JAP and I gave you - Another option in the area if you want to save money is the Liguanea Club - it's a private tennis club with rooms, a great pool, etc... that I have stayed at and enjoyed - good restaurant there too. If you have any more questions or need advice, those of us that know Kingston first hand will be happy to give factual advice.

[ShanSHAN 4]

don't feel no way, but it's common knowledge to most... Ask me how safe is Istanbul? Sorry I have no clue. The fact that I've spent 20 years amassing an impressive collection of rare 7's & sound system dubplates, immersing myself in the culture & gaining facts about Jamaica would be beside the point.

...you would be absolutely correct!

hmm, we have huge geographical areas that are relatively safe. Kingston and Manila have small residential enclaves from Colonial times that are safe, if they will let you past the armed checkpoints to visit them. Just like all major 3'rd world cities.

All my friends who have gone to the Sunsplash Festivals or just vacationed there, as well as any travel agent would advise one to fly to Montego Bay and avoid Kingston like the plague, pity Mike's girl has business to attend to there...

That's more like it, back on topic. big up Sus

You should be very careful not to lean towards STUPIDITY when posting on these forums, as you just did. Please also remember that you are making comments about our homes and our loved ones homes, I am offended and so could someone else! No one is preach that Kingston is as safe as the Embassy grounds, but to make comments such as you have is down right rude and wrong! I would advise you take Sus's roll and just give info on ways to be safe. No one cares how much work you've done there or how many times you've been there! The truth remains....she can go to Kingston and handle her business, just as safely as she could in many places "labled" as unsafe. I highly doubt she will be looking to venture off into the "samll residential enclaves" that you menetioned above! So PLEASE, refrian from the non-sense that your started.

Respectfully,

Proud Kingston Resident

[ShanSHAN 4]

Just wanted to know how safe Kingston is, my Fiancee will go there for her interview and will probably have to travel alone. Any suggestions on what taxis to use and not use would also be appreciated as i dont want anything to happen to my angel

I agree with Sus, JUTA would be the most trusted taxi service for her to use. Red plated taxi's are the legal ones. I use them from the Kingston airport to my home in the "small residential enclaves", and the prices are consistant. And I make it safely through the checkpoints everytime, unharmed. ;-). Many of the drivers are older and have worked there for years (at the airport, that is). A bit skepticle in the begining myself, I would ask one drive for the price, and then walk around and ask a next one to be sure they were not making up their own prices, according to what they "thought" I could pay!! Hehehe!

As in many places there are times and areas that can be more dangerous that others in Kingston. But as you said, she will be goin to the Embassy, so she should not worry, as the taxi will pick her up and drop her off. Also, the Wyndham has a special on right now. So if she will be needing a hotel, you should check there soon for a deal.

The only thing that may bother her, is many men will comment on her beauty and try to "court" her! Its just what they do! I walk with my husband hand-in-hand and they still make comments. So tell her to pay it no mind, after a while it get funny to me!! So, tell her to go educated about the area she will be in. Across from the Wydham is Emancipation park! Its really pretty and safe! And Jerk chicken stand is there as well!

Send me a personal message if you have more questions, maybe I will be there when she comes! GOOD LUCK!!!

Edited July 31, 2011 by ShanSHAN

[Princessblack 21]

Oh boy... Sus and Shan already put the icing on the cake. Dem a gwaan like seh the Kingston Embassy inna de middle a Tivoli or Stand Pipe. Nothing will happen to your fiance. Rest assured.

Juta at the airport is a much better way of getting there. You can choose one of the doctors listed but from personal experience, I liked Dr. Michael.

And listening to couple dub plates, visiting a few times, and reading sensationalized newspaper about YAAD- Kingston in particular, does not give one the Presidential expertise on the topic of Jamaica. Hate that!Some of Kingston is safe while other parts are not. Where the Embassy is should not be ANY worries because of its geographic location which is quite far from the 'unsafe' areas.

When this is all over Mr. Phillipines, you and finace/wife need to take a nice trip down there for vacay...just a recommendation.