

On a recent trip to Kingston, Jamaica, I asked the receptionist at the front desk where I could exchange some money. She provided directions explaining it was a 10-minute walk down the main street – King Street – in front of the hotel. I thanked her and she then asked me if I wanted to have a hotel security official accompany me. Somewhat surprised, I commented, “Do I need a security official to accompany me? I mean is it that dangerous.” She then looked at her watch, and said, “It’s only 2:00pm, and you are not wearing anything nice, so you should be alright.” I laughed, thanked her, and then proceeded to the local Western Union money exchange without issue. However, I will say that off-handed comment by the receptionist created a lasting impression on me.
I would like to believe my experience was simply an anomaly, but truth be told, Jamaica, along with Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and Tobago, face ever-increasing levels of violence due to rivalries over criminal activities, such as transnational drug trafficking, which all too often place innocent civilians in harms way. If there is one island this writer would avoid in the Caribbean, hands down, it would be Haiti which is infamous for kidnappings, armed gang activity, and general social unrest. It was only five years ago that Haitian President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated by mercenaries in his own home, which then plunged the country into significant political turmoil. Clearly, if the President can be killed in his own home, with armed security protecting him, one may want to consider other holiday destinations in the Caribbean.
Another tropical destination in the region experiencing a unique set of problems in its tourism industry is Cuba. This 20-year low in their tourism reflects extreme shortages in fuel, food, and basic necessities, coupled with significant power outages, forcing many resorts to close their doors. The United States decision to cut-off foreign oil to Cuba, in conjunction with the recent ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, responsible for providing Cuba with nearly half their daily required fuel/oil for the past 25 years, has only exacerbated the collapse of tourism in Cuba.
I don’t want to paint the picture of all doom and gloom in the Caribbean, as this would only be presenting part of the story. In the midst of the turmoil other nations are experiencing, there are plenty of islands in the Caribbean enjoying strong tourism to include the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Turks and Caicos. Beyond simply relaxing on their sandy beaches, the Cayman Islands and BVI remain top island destinations for tourists to take advantage of the financial services and investment opportunities in the Caribbean.
My time in Jamaica was by no means my favorite trip in the Caribbean, but I will return to the island one day. In retrospect, had that receptionist not asked if I wanted security, my mindset would have been entirely different while in Jamaica, and I would not have been inspired to write this article, yet that friendly notice from the receptionist to essentially
keep my eyes open, which I did, changed the trajectory of my trip. So, I leave you with this -Regardless of where you are taking your holiday, just remember it’s all about situational awareness. Be safe and enjoy your travels.

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