Safe Vacationing?

This will be our first trip to Jamaica and we are really
worried about the troubles they are having. Although our
travel agent assures us the resort is safe we would still
like to see more of the isle then just a fortified hotel
with a beach!!

[There are 2 posts - the latest was added on Wed 28 April, 15:10]

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1. Should be alright Added by: brent
   [Timestamp: Tue 27 April, 6:44 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   If you are staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts near
   Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril, you should not encounter
   any problems than the ones normally encountered by tourists
   to Jamaica. Namely, you will be solicited drugs, asked if
   you want to exchange money, be asked if you want a taxi by
   nearly everyone in town and demanded that you come into
   shops, particularly the tourist craft markets. If you are
   prepared for that, your experience outside the "gates" of
   the resort, all should be well.
   ~
   As for the potential for putting yourself in harm's way, I
   don't think you have much to worry about. I have traveled
   throughout the Caribbean and have never been a victim of
   crime, though I had a few scares. The uprising seems to
   have cooled down and you probably will not feel any tension.
   ~
   Anyway, if you are going to be in Kingston, which is not
   likely as the resorts are on the North Coasts, be extra
   careful and don't carry around too much money, wear jewelry
   or wear any Don Ho clothing that will make you stand out.
   

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2. Troubles are over. Added by: JohnJohn
   [Timestamp: Wed 28 April, 15:10 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   The protests lasted for three days. They were about a
   whopping tax hike to be added to gasoline. The government
   was out of touch with the people. They demonstrated.
   Hoodlums took advantage of the situation to do some store
   looting. They have largely been rounded up. Coastal and
   inland tourism is back on track. Never, at any time during
   the protests, were tourists targetted by Jamaicans. The
   people of Jamaica will bend over backwards to ensure you
   have a safe and pleasant stay. Go to the Tourist Bulletin
   board at www. jamaicans.com (look under the Interact
   heading) and you will see for yourself that life is going on
   as usual.

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