Comments for Go... Serve... Share Mission Trip Blog http://missionaryhealth.net/blog Missionaries can share advice and stories of past mission trips Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:39:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 Comment on Strikes in South Africa by isaclients http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=773&cpage=1#comment-7229 isaclients Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:39:02 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=773#comment-7229 South Africa's security forces have deployed medical teams to 37 hospitals around the country to keep emergency health services open, sources said on August 23rd. The government obtained an injunction against the strike on August 21st, which forbids strikers from blockading state buildings and instructs those providing essential services to return to work; however, union leaders have defied such requirements and are continuing their unruly campaign despite severe effects on the country's health system and basic infrastructure. South Africa’s security forces have deployed medical teams to 37 hospitals around the country to keep emergency health services open, sources said on August 23rd. The government obtained an injunction against the strike on August 21st, which forbids strikers from blockading state buildings and instructs those providing essential services to return to work; however, union leaders have defied such requirements and are continuing their unruly campaign despite severe effects on the country’s health system and basic infrastructure.

]]> Comment on Strikes in South Africa by isaclients http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=773&cpage=1#comment-7228 isaclients Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:38:46 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=773#comment-7228 The U.S. Mission in South Africa alerts U.S. citizens to the potential disruption of services resulting from the ongoing public service strike. Strike action has been concentrated around, but not limited to, public and private schools, and may affect U.S. citizens utilizing or traveling near those institutions. If the strike action continues for an extended period of time, there is the potential for wide-spread demonstrations throughout the country, which could increasingly affect hospitals and schools. U.S. citizens may want to seek services from private hospitals during the strike if public hospitals are short staffed or access to them is blocked by protesters. U.S. citizens should also remain alert to reports of demonstrations interfering with traffic. The strike is not currently impacting border crossings or airports. The U.S. Mission advises U.S. citizens to plan accordingly, remain alert, and monitor local broadcast media for updates on the strike. The Mission reminds U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstration, planned demonstrations and to not cross picket lines. The U.S. Mission in South Africa alerts U.S. citizens to the potential disruption of services resulting from the ongoing public service strike. Strike action has been concentrated around, but not limited to, public and private schools, and may affect U.S. citizens utilizing or traveling near those institutions. If the strike action continues for an extended period of time, there is the potential for wide-spread demonstrations throughout the country, which could increasingly affect hospitals and schools. U.S. citizens may want to seek services from private hospitals during the strike if public hospitals are short staffed or access to them is blocked by protesters. U.S. citizens should also remain alert to reports of demonstrations interfering with traffic. The strike is not currently impacting border crossings or airports.
The U.S. Mission advises U.S. citizens to plan accordingly, remain alert, and monitor local broadcast media for updates on the strike.

The Mission reminds U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstration, planned demonstrations and to not cross picket lines.

]]> Comment on Strikes in South Africa by isaclients http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=773&cpage=1#comment-7211 isaclients Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:07:50 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=773#comment-7211 From Altegrity Risk International - More than one million public sector workers began a strike on August 18th, with the possibility of more union coalitions joining the action. Public sector workers are demanding a 8.6% wage increase; however, government negotiators have only offered 7% in order to maintain the national budget. Police in Johannesburg and Soweto have begun using water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse protesters in certain areas; protesters have responded by hurling bricks and stones at riot police. Meanwhile, health authorities in Gauteng say army medics have been brought in to help in some hospitals because of staff shortages. Analysts say the labor action that includes customs workers, police, judicial employees, and teachers could slow commerce and trade. The protesters seek to disrupt schools, transportation, and health care in order that the government capitulate to wage demands. The involvement of so many participants nationwide could have a paralyzing effect on the country. From Altegrity Risk International - More than one million public sector workers began a strike on August 18th, with the possibility of more union coalitions joining the action. Public sector workers are demanding a 8.6% wage increase; however, government negotiators have only offered 7% in order to maintain the national budget. Police in Johannesburg and Soweto have begun using water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse protesters in certain areas; protesters have responded by hurling bricks and stones at riot police. Meanwhile, health authorities in Gauteng say army medics have been brought in to help in some hospitals because of staff shortages. Analysts say the labor action that includes customs workers, police, judicial employees, and teachers could slow commerce and trade. The protesters seek to disrupt schools, transportation, and health care in order that the government capitulate to wage demands. The involvement of so many participants nationwide could have a paralyzing effect on the country.

]]> Comment on US State Department Warning Issued for Israel by isaclients http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=744&cpage=1#comment-7150 isaclients Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:00:21 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=744#comment-7150 U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Warning on August 10, 2010. Israel, the West Bank and Gaza The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and about threats to themselves and to U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This replaces the Travel Warning issued August 5, 2010, to update information on the general security environment in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip and Southern Israel The State Department strongly urges that U.S. citizens refrain from all travel to the Gaza Strip. This recommendation applies to all U.S. citizens, including journalists and aid workers. U.S. citizens should be aware that as a consequence of a longstanding prohibition on travel by U.S. government employees into the Gaza Strip, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens there is extremely limited. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strictly controls the crossing points between Israel and the Gaza Strip, and has essentially sealed the border. The security environment within Gaza and along its borders, including its border with Egypt and its seacoast, is dangerous and volatile. U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to Gaza by any means, including via sea. Previous attempts to enter Gaza by sea have been stopped by Israeli naval vessels and resulted in the injury, death, arrest, and deportation of U.S. citizens. From December 27, 2008, through January 17, 2009, the IDF conducted a major military operation in Gaza. Israel and Hamas, a State Department-designated foreign terrorist organization that violently seized power in Gaza in June 2007, declared separate truces to end the fighting. Occasional small clashes continue to occur along the border. Rockets and mortars are still occasionally fired into Israel from Gaza, and the IDF continues to conduct military operations inside Gaza, including airstrikes. The IDF has also declared an exclusion zone inside Gaza along the border with Israel and has taken lethal measures against individuals who enter it. In the past, some rockets have travelled more than 40 km (24 miles) from Gaza and landed as far north as Yavne and Gadera and as far east as Beersheva. As a result of possible IDF military operations in Gaza and the ever-present risk of rocket and mortar attacks into Israel from Gaza, U.S. government personnel traveling in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip border, to include the city of Sderot, require approval from the Embassy's Regional Security Office. U.S. citizens in the area should be aware of the risks and should follow the advice of the Government of Israel's office of Homefront Command, at: http://www.oref.org.il/315-en/PAKAR.aspx. The West Bank The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank. Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces are now deployed throughout the West Bank, including all major cities. As a result, violence in recent years has decreased markedly throughout the West Bank. Nonetheless, demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning. Vehicles have also been the target of rocks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire on West Bank roads. The IDF continues to carry out security operations in the West Bank. Israeli security operations, including incursions into Palestinian population centers, can occur at any time and lead to disturbances and violence. U.S. citizens can be caught in the middle of potentially dangerous situations. Some U.S. citizens involved in demonstrations in the West Bank have sustained serious injuries in confrontations with Israeli settlers and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The State Department recommends that U.S. citizens, for their own safety, avoid demonstrations. During periods of unrest, the Israeli government sometimes closes off access to the West Bank and those areas may be placed under curfew. All persons in areas under curfew should remain indoors to avoid risking arrest or injury. U.S. citizens have been killed, seriously injured, or detained and deported as a result of encounters with IDF operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Travel restrictions may be imposed by Israel with little or no warning. Strict measures have frequently been imposed following terrorist actions, and the movement of Palestinian Americans, both those with residency status in the West Bank or Gaza as well as foreign passport holders, has been severely impeded. Current security-related restrictions on travel by U.S. government employees to the West Bank hinder the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens. Jerusalem The State Department urges U.S. citizens to remain vigilant while traveling throughout Jerusalem, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem and the city center. Spontaneous or planned protests within the Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes. Travelers should exercise caution at religious sites on holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Isolated street protests and demonstrations can also occur in areas of East Jerusalem, including around Salah Ed-Din Street, Damascus Gate, Silwan and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. U.S. government employees are authorized to visit the Old City during daylight hours only except between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. The area of the ramparts on the city wall between Herod's Gate and Lion's Gate is off-limits to U.S. Government personnel at all times. The Sherover or Haas Promenade (scenic overlook) located in Armon Hanatziv is open to U.S. government personnel during daylight hours only. Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Personnel Personal travel in the West Bank for U.S. government personnel and their families is allowed for limited mission-approved purposes in the areas described below. They may travel to Jericho, or to transit through the West Bank using Routes 1 and 90 to reach the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, or the Dead Sea coast near Ein Gedi and Masada. They may also travel north on Route 90 from the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge to the Sea of Galilee. Use of these routes is approved for transit purposes during daylight hours, with stops permitted only at Qumran National Park off Route 90 by the Dead Sea. Each transit requires prior notification to the Consulate General's security office. U.S. Government personnel and family members are permitted both official and personal travel on Route 443 between Modi'in and Jerusalem without prior notification, during daylight hours only. All other personal travel in the West Bank, unless specifically authorized for mission-approved purposes, is prohibited. General Safety and Security Israeli authorities remain concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens are cautioned that a greater danger may exist around restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with U.S. interests and/or located near U.S. official buildings, such as the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. U.S. citizens are also urged to exercise a high degree of caution and to use common sense when patronizing restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, malls, places of worship, and theaters, especially during peak hours. Large crowds and public gatherings have been targeted by terrorists in the past and should be avoided to the extent practicable. U.S. citizens should take into consideration that public buses, and their respective terminals are "off-limits" to U.S. government personnel. U.S. government personnel have been directed to avoid protests and demonstrations. Personnel have also been urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness at all times. In the Golan Heights, there are live landmines in many areas and visitors should walk only on established roads or trails. Entry/Exit Difficulties U.S. citizens planning to travel to Israel or the West Bank should read carefully the detailed information concerning entry and exit difficulties in the Country Specific Information sheet at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Warning on August 10, 2010.

Israel, the West Bank and Gaza

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and about threats to themselves and to U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This replaces the Travel Warning issued August 5, 2010, to update information on the general security environment in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Strip and Southern Israel

The State Department strongly urges that U.S. citizens refrain from all travel to the Gaza Strip. This recommendation applies to all U.S. citizens, including journalists and aid workers. U.S. citizens should be aware that as a consequence of a longstanding prohibition on travel by U.S. government employees into the Gaza Strip, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens there is extremely limited.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strictly controls the crossing points between Israel and the Gaza Strip, and has essentially sealed the border. The security environment within Gaza and along its borders, including its border with Egypt and its seacoast, is dangerous and volatile. U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to Gaza by any means, including via sea. Previous attempts to enter Gaza by sea have been stopped by Israeli naval vessels and resulted in the injury, death, arrest, and deportation of U.S. citizens. From December 27, 2008, through January 17, 2009, the IDF conducted a major military operation in Gaza. Israel and Hamas, a State Department-designated foreign terrorist organization that violently seized power in Gaza in June 2007, declared separate truces to end the fighting. Occasional small clashes continue to occur along the border. Rockets and mortars are still occasionally fired into Israel from Gaza, and the IDF continues to conduct military operations inside Gaza, including airstrikes. The IDF has also declared an exclusion zone inside Gaza along the border with Israel and has taken lethal measures against individuals who enter it.

In the past, some rockets have travelled more than 40 km (24 miles) from Gaza and landed as far north as Yavne and Gadera and as far east as Beersheva. As a result of possible IDF military operations in Gaza and the ever-present risk of rocket and mortar attacks into Israel from Gaza, U.S. government personnel traveling in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip border, to include the city of Sderot, require approval from the Embassy’s Regional Security Office. U.S. citizens in the area should be aware of the risks and should follow the advice of the Government of Israel’s office of Homefront Command, at: http://www.oref.org.il/315-en/PAKAR.aspx.

The West Bank

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank. Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces are now deployed throughout the West Bank, including all major cities. As a result, violence in recent years has decreased markedly throughout the West Bank. Nonetheless, demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning. Vehicles have also been the target of rocks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire on West Bank roads. The IDF continues to carry out security operations in the West Bank. Israeli security operations, including incursions into Palestinian population centers, can occur at any time and lead to disturbances and violence. U.S. citizens can be caught in the middle of potentially dangerous situations. Some U.S. citizens involved in demonstrations in the West Bank have sustained serious injuries in confrontations with Israeli settlers and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The State Department recommends that U.S. citizens, for their own safety, avoid demonstrations.
During periods of unrest, the Israeli government sometimes closes off access to the West Bank and those areas may be placed under curfew. All persons in areas under curfew should remain indoors to avoid risking arrest or injury. U.S. citizens have been killed, seriously injured, or detained and deported as a result of encounters with IDF operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Travel restrictions may be imposed by Israel with little or no warning. Strict measures have frequently been imposed following terrorist actions, and the movement of Palestinian Americans, both those with residency status in the West Bank or Gaza as well as foreign passport holders, has been severely impeded. Current security-related restrictions on travel by U.S. government employees to the West Bank hinder the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens.

Jerusalem

The State Department urges U.S. citizens to remain vigilant while traveling throughout Jerusalem, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem and the city center. Spontaneous or planned protests within the Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes. Travelers should exercise caution at religious sites on holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Isolated street protests and demonstrations can also occur in areas of East Jerusalem, including around Salah Ed-Din Street, Damascus Gate, Silwan and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. U.S. government employees are authorized to visit the Old City during daylight hours only except between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. The area of the ramparts on the city wall between Herod’s Gate and Lion’s Gate is off-limits to U.S. Government personnel at all times. The Sherover or Haas Promenade (scenic overlook) located in Armon Hanatziv is open to U.S. government personnel during daylight hours only.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Personnel
Personal travel in the West Bank for U.S. government personnel and their families is allowed for limited mission-approved purposes in the areas described below. They may travel to Jericho, or to transit through the West Bank using Routes 1 and 90 to reach the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, or the Dead Sea coast near Ein Gedi and Masada. They may also travel north on Route 90 from the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge to the Sea of Galilee. Use of these routes is approved for transit purposes during daylight hours, with stops permitted only at Qumran National Park off Route 90 by the Dead Sea. Each transit requires prior notification to the Consulate General’s security office.

U.S. Government personnel and family members are permitted both official and personal travel on Route 443 between Modi’in and Jerusalem without prior notification, during daylight hours only. All other personal travel in the West Bank, unless specifically authorized for mission-approved purposes, is prohibited.

General Safety and Security

Israeli authorities remain concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens are cautioned that a greater danger may exist around restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with U.S. interests and/or located near U.S. official buildings, such as the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. U.S. citizens are also urged to exercise a high degree of caution and to use common sense when patronizing restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, malls, places of worship, and theaters, especially during peak hours. Large crowds and public gatherings have been targeted by terrorists in the past and should be avoided to the extent practicable. U.S. citizens should take into consideration that public buses, and their respective terminals are “off-limits” to U.S. government personnel. U.S. government personnel have been directed to avoid protests and demonstrations. Personnel have also been urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness at all times.

In the Golan Heights, there are live landmines in many areas and visitors should walk only on established roads or trails.
Entry/Exit Difficulties

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Israel or the West Bank should read carefully the detailed information concerning entry and exit difficulties in the Country Specific Information sheet at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html

]]> Comment on U.S. State Dept. Travel Warning for Pakistan by isaclients http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=705&cpage=1#comment-6982 isaclients Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:25:18 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=705#comment-6982 U.S. Embassy Islamabad released the following Warden Message on August 5, 2010: This Warden Notice is to notify American citizens that access to the Serena Hotel in Islamabad has been temporarily halted while security officials investigate a non-specific telephonic threat. The Embassy has no further details at this time, but has advised personnel to avoid the area around the Serena Hotel for the next few hours. The Embassy reiterates its advice to all Americans to take measures for their safety and security at all times. These measures include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds and demonstrations and keeping a low profile. Americans should avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel. Americans should ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all times. U.S. Embassy Islamabad released the following Warden Message on August 5, 2010:

This Warden Notice is to notify American citizens that access to the Serena Hotel in Islamabad has been temporarily halted while security officials investigate a non-specific telephonic threat. The Embassy has no further details at this time, but has advised personnel to avoid the area around the Serena Hotel for the next few hours.

The Embassy reiterates its advice to all Americans to take measures for their safety and security at all times. These measures include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds and demonstrations and keeping a low profile. Americans should avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel. Americans should ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all times.

]]> Comment on U.S. State Dept. Travel Warning for Nicaragua by Nicaragua Tours http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=699&cpage=1#comment-6773 Nicaragua Tours Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:23:01 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=699#comment-6773 Taxi kidnapping in Nicaragua is very alarming. Authorities should really get into these culprits. This incident would greatly affect tourism in the place. Taxi kidnapping in Nicaragua is very alarming. Authorities should really get into these culprits. This incident would greatly affect tourism in the place.

]]> Comment on New State Department Warning for Haiti by adam http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=660&cpage=1#comment-5266 adam Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:49:15 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=660#comment-5266 U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on June 25, 2010: The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens of a number of recent cases in which travelers arriving at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince on flights from the United States were later attacked and robbed while traveling in cars away from the airport. At least two American citizens have been shot and killed in such incidents in recent months. Police authorities believe criminals may be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the U.S., following them, and attacking them later once they are out of the area. Travelers are advised to use extra caution in arranging transportation from the airport. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times. U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on June 25, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens of a number of recent cases in which travelers arriving at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince on flights from the United States were later attacked and robbed while traveling in cars away from the airport. At least two American citizens have been shot and killed in such incidents in recent months. Police authorities believe criminals may be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the U.S., following them, and attacking them later once they are out of the area. Travelers are advised to use extra caution in arranging transportation from the airport.
U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times.

]]> Comment on US State Department Travel Advisory for Jamaica by adam http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=646&cpage=1#comment-5124 adam Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:27:32 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=646#comment-5124 The U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Alert on June 24, 2010: The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens about sporadic violence between government security forces and criminal gang elements in Kingston, Jamaica, and its surrounding areas. Since May 23, 2010, Jamaican security forces have been engaged in operations to root out illegal weapons in formerly gang-controlled neighborhoods and apprehend suspected gang members in various areas of Kingston and Spanish Town. The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine's Parish (which includes Spanish Town). The possibility exists that police operations and/or violence could spread beyond the greater Kingston and Spanish Town areas. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert issued on June 15, 2010 to provide updated information on the security and airport situation. This Travel Alert expires on July 23, 2010. U.S citizens presently in Jamaica should monitor local news and radio frequently when venturing out from their homes or hotels in the Kingston area. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the Norman Manley International Airport should use the South Camp Road route and avoid the Mountain View Road airport route. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile. The U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Alert on June 24, 2010:

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens about sporadic violence between government security forces and criminal gang elements in Kingston, Jamaica, and its surrounding areas. Since May 23, 2010, Jamaican security forces have been engaged in operations to root out illegal weapons in formerly gang-controlled neighborhoods and apprehend suspected gang members in various areas of Kingston and Spanish Town. The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine’s Parish (which includes Spanish Town). The possibility exists that police operations and/or violence could spread beyond the greater Kingston and Spanish Town areas. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert issued on June 15, 2010 to provide updated information on the security and airport situation. This Travel Alert expires on July 23, 2010.

U.S citizens presently in Jamaica should monitor local news and radio frequently when venturing out from their homes or hotels in the Kingston area. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the Norman Manley International Airport should use the South Camp Road route and avoid the Mountain View Road airport route. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile.

]]> Comment on State of emergency declared in Jamaica as coordinated attacks launched on police stations by isaclients http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=606&cpage=1#comment-3585 isaclients Tue, 25 May 2010 20:22:08 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=606#comment-3585 The U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert on May 24: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Kingston, Jamaica and its surrounding areas because of escalating violence, shootings and unrest. Jamaican Defense Forces are engaged in an operation to arrest an alleged drug and weapons trafficker. Access to the Norman Manley International Airport has been blocked on an intermittent basis by gun battles between criminal elements and police. A number of air flights into and out of Kingston have been canceled. The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency in Kingston and St. Andrew. The possibility exists that unrest could spread beyond the general Kingston area. U.S. Embassy Kingston is taking extra security precautions, including canceling official travel by USG personnel into Kingston. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert issued on May 21, 2010 to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Kingston and to provide updated information on the security and airport situation. This Travel Alert expires on June 23, 2010. U.S citizens presently in Jamaica should monitor local news and radio frequently before venturing out from their homes or hotels. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the Norman Manley International Airport should use the South Camp Road route. U.S. citizens should contact their air carriers regarding flight status before traveling to the airport. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile during this State of Emergency. U.S. citizens in Jamaica are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when venturing outside their residence or hotel. The U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert on May 24:

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Kingston, Jamaica and its surrounding areas because of escalating violence, shootings and unrest. Jamaican Defense Forces are engaged in an operation to arrest an alleged drug and weapons trafficker. Access to the Norman Manley International Airport has been blocked on an intermittent basis by gun battles between criminal elements and police. A number of air flights into and out of Kingston have been canceled. The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency in Kingston and St. Andrew. The possibility exists that unrest could spread beyond the general Kingston area. U.S. Embassy Kingston is taking extra security precautions, including canceling official travel by USG personnel into Kingston. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert issued on May 21, 2010 to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Kingston and to provide updated information on the security and airport situation. This Travel Alert expires on June 23, 2010.

U.S citizens presently in Jamaica should monitor local news and radio frequently before venturing out from their homes or hotels. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the Norman Manley International Airport should use the South Camp Road route. U.S. citizens should contact their air carriers regarding flight status before traveling to the airport. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile during this State of Emergency. U.S. citizens in Jamaica are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when venturing outside their residence or hotel.

]]> Comment on US State Department Issues Warning for US Citizens Traveling to Rocky Point by A http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=598&cpage=1#comment-3319 A Fri, 21 May 2010 16:17:26 +0000 http://missionaryhealth.net/blog/?p=598#comment-3319 These are nothing but unconfirmed reports and may be someone joking around. Highway 8 is one of the safest roads in North America. Rocky Point and the drive to it are safer than most U.S. cities. Thousands of Americans go back and forth every week with their families and kids without incident. I was just there and there are no safety concerns at all. Just families and kids playing on the beach. I just spoke with the consulate in Nogales, and they might have been premature in sending this out. Just some unconfirmed reports and the police are checking whether it is real or not. Let's not take this too seriously until there is any real evidence. You might want to take down this post until it is confirmed or the consulate withdraws the warning, which is quite possible. These are nothing but unconfirmed reports and may be someone joking around. Highway 8 is one of the safest roads in North America. Rocky Point and the drive to it are safer than most U.S. cities. Thousands of Americans go back and forth every week with their families and kids without incident. I was just there and there are no safety concerns at all. Just families and kids playing on the beach.

I just spoke with the consulate in Nogales, and they might have been premature in sending this out. Just some unconfirmed reports and the police are checking whether it is real or not. Let’s not take this too seriously until there is any real evidence. You might want to take down this post until it is confirmed or the consulate withdraws the warning, which is quite possible.

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