Thinking Of Cancelling My Jamaica Destination Wedding

jamcnprincess16 · May 2010

Although my wedding is not until November of this year, I am still thinking of cancelling my wedding in Jamica and seeking out an alternate location due to all the violence going on there.

I have not sent out the invitations, but I did send out save the dates a few months ago.

Luckily, only five us booked our flight and we were informed by the TA yesterday that our departure flight has been suspended for November, so our money is refundable (is this a sign?)

I know the wedding is 6 months away, but people have already begun to express their uneasiness with travelling there in November. Even if the situation cools down quickly, I can't help feeling uneasy.

Am I being ridiculous or overly dramatic? By the way I just got back from wedding planning in Jamaica this past Sunday.

AndyNJenn · May 2010

Depending on where you're going in Jamaica... it's probably at least 3 - 5 hours away from the source of the violence! Most if not all resorts have security! Jamaica is a laid back relaxation destination

Hope you don't decide against the Jamaican wedding!

troublejessy · May 2010

I honestly don't know the details about the situation in Jamaica, but if you're going to be staying on the resort I don't think there is anything to worry about. Most resorts have excellent security and as the PP said, you'll probably be far from where the violence is. How close will you be to Kingston?

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4985.html

bean0408 · May 2010

Mine is in October and I'm still fine with my choice. I have watched the news and read the travel advisory and everything is centered in Kingston and the travel advisory is for Kingston only so I feel comfortable still with my Ocho Rios wedding. I also read how the Jamaican government is very concerned about there tourists and their tourism dollars so i feel that the country will be pro active in keeping the resort areas as untouched by the unrest as possible. Also, Kingston has a history of civil unrest so this is not anything really new for that area. So, there is my two cents

CraziStarr · May 2010

My wedding is in Jamaica 3 weeks from today...

...and I'm not worried at all. We fly into Montego Bay and will go straight to Negril. From there we'll stay on the resort or 'see the sights' with toursy-places. Like PP said, I think a little caution is great, but as long as you stay close to your family and friends and don't venture too far off the beaten path, you'll be fine. Try not to stress.

Did I miss where the wedding is? I would be pretty dang concerned if the wedding was in Kingston... On a side note - how awesome you got to go down for a planning trip. How was it?

Weluvcake · May 2010

I understand your concern. I am leaving for Jamaica on Wed. (6/2) for my DW in Ocho Rios and I do no have any reservations about going; however, I will be cautious. Have you discussed your concerns with the resort WC?

gabi829 · May 2010

Unless you plan on walking into the slums to buy drugs, I think you should be fine. There has always been a certain amount of violence in Kingston because of gang activity.

RobbyC81 · May 2010

You will be fine. You are nowhere near Kingston. Would you cnacel a trip to San Francisco if there was violence in LA?

I know it is more scary to go to a foreign country, but the government needs tourism $ to stay strong. You will be absolutly safe! Call the resort and ask how the vibe is if you are still worried before you go.

Don't be nervous!

akhunter1 · May 2010

I had a minor freak out this morning about this too and when I was about to post something about it, I saw that you already had. I am not getting married in Montego Bay until next May. I just hope that this doesn't scare any of our guests...

CraziStarr · May 2010

Hi again - Got an update from my TA this morning about this - just wanted to share in case this helps.

"I am sure you have heard all the commotion about the happenings in Kingston, Jamaica. If not – in a nut shell – in Kingston there is a drug lord that is wanted for extradition to the US for various crimes. The people in the little subdivision where he helps out – have barracked their area in so that police will not enter. Of course police/military don’t want to in and start shooting the place up – so just a waiting game.

ALL reports we have been given indicate it is – and has been – and expected to be – very localized and isolated. It is like someone living in lower Wisconsin or Indianapolis (or having relatives there) – and those people moving or relatives not visiting because something bad happening in Chicago. That area of Jamaica is 3 to 5 hours or more drive from the closest tourist area. Here is map of Jamaica highlighting those areas. And not like the US where there is great roads all over the place. Obviously – Negril furthest West – and Kingston far East.

Of course the ultimate decision is yours to go on as planned or relocate. My personal ‘opinion’ – being in almost daily contact with my peeps in Jamaica – is that there is no worries! I think MOST people we have going there (there now in fact – and leaving in near future like you and guests) are of that same opinion. I have been sort of waiting to see if things there went to one extreme or another – and as expected have not. In any event of course wanted to discuss with you."

etc.....

troublejessy · May 2010

Just wanted to add:

I was listening to the radio this morning on my way to work and totally thought of all you Jamaican brides. They were discussing whether they would travel to a wedding in Jamaica right now, given the circumstances. While the radio host was sort of an idiot and said there is no way he would go, TONS of people spent my entire hour long commute agreeing with you.

They were all trying to explain to him that not going to a wedding in Ocho Rios because of violence in Kingston - would be like saying you're not going to DC because of violence in New York City. It sounds like the majority of people have a pretty good understanding of the situation and geography. Hopefully that makes you guys feel a little bit better

PS. We're having a travel advisory of sorts in VA as well:

http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=101752

JSBB2010 · May 2010

I just got married in Ocho a month ago and I realize that this was before the events at present, but I've been to Jamaica 4 times in the past 6 years and it has always been wonderful. My wedding was great, the people are great but just like anywhere in the world you are going to have drugs, bad people and violence. Ocho is very far from Kingston and the resorts are excellent at security or at least they were at the Riu and the Sandals I stayed at each time. I've gone into town and had fun at parties and done lot of things off the resort and never had one problem either in Ocho, Montego Bay or Negril. Just use your street smarts like you would anywhere and treat people with kindness to their island and you will have a great time. No worries mon!

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