´óÏó´«Ã½

« Previous | Main | Next »

Has the violence in Jamaica changed your image of the country?

Krupa Thakrar Padhy Krupa Thakrar Padhy | 10:40 UK time, Thursday, 27 May 2010

jamaica.jpgPrime Minister Bruce Golding to undo Kingston's reputation as one of the world's murder capitals. But does the recent violence mean too much damage has been done?

hopes not,

On the deathbed of the old Jamaica, we need the confessions of truth about the current tragic state of affairs. The old Jamaica is dying so as to give birth to the new country. I remain hopeful.

Jamaica wasn't always the violent country that it is today ,

Jamaica experienced large increases in murder rates since enacting a handgun bans in 1974. Since the gun ban, Jamaica's murder rate has soared to become one of the highest in the world, currently at least double that of other Caribbean countries. Jamaica's murder rate hasn't sunk below 10 murders per 100,000 people since the gun ban went into effect.

The ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Nick Davis, who is of Jamaican origin, shares his views on the cost to Jamaica's reputation .

Despite and being cancelled to Jamaica, not everyone thinks the country's image has taken a hard knocking. that hotels remain full and tourism is booming.

That's not what .

This is a disaster for Jamaica's reputation. The main offensive is a mile away, but even in the commercial heart of the capital, people are being pinned back against the walls. Normal life is on hold.

Or

The events unfolding in Jamaica are disastrous for the country, its reputation, tourist industry and economy. They give an impression that is completely false. In reality it is a wonderful place, full of kind, warm, generous people. I was astonished on my first visit to find the countryside lush and green, rather like Cornwall or Wales and the people more friendly than anywhere else I have ever been.

Has the recent violence made you reconsider visiting Jamaica? Do you think the violence will have any long term effect on the image of the country?

´óÏó´«Ã½ iD

´óÏó´«Ã½ navigation

´óÏó´«Ã½ © 2014 The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.