MoBay Curfews Affecting Business

While the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has not announced widespread, ongoing curfews across all of Montego Bay in early 2026, law enforcement maintains a significant presence and employs targeted security measures in response to crime. The government can implement enhanced security measures like a State of Emergency (SOE) or Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) with little notice, which can include curfews and increased police powers. For instance, in late February 2026, a police operation in the upscale Coral Gardens neighborhood of Montego Bay resulted in the fatal shooting of three alleged gangsters from Kingston. This incident, which occurred at a property reportedly being used as an Airbnb, prompted a stern warning from the St. James Police operations officer, who stated, "There is no safe haven for them; leave St James alone!" This heightened police activity occurs in a context of fluctuating crime rates. While St. James parish, where Montego Bay is located, saw a significant 54% drop in murders in 2025, February 2026 brought a nationwide spike in killings after a record-low January. St. James was one of three police divisions to record double-digit homicide figures for the first two months of the year. International advisories reflect this complex reality, cautioning travelers to be aware of high-risk communities. The UK government warns visitors to be cautious in areas of Montego Bay such as Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights, and Mount Salem due to gang violence. Similarly, the U.S. State Department has designated specific areas of Montego Bay, on the inland side of the A1 highway and Queen's Drive, as "Level 4: Do Not Travel" zones for its employees. The business community remains acutely aware of the link between security and commerce. In December 2025, Montego Bay business leaders praised the security forces for the then-declining murder rate, noting that a greater sense of safety was bringing more people out and allowing businesses like those at Harmony Beach Park to flourish. However, past and potential security operations remain a concern, as they can disrupt daily life and commerce for residents and businesses alike. Targeted curfews have been used as a tool in St. James parish to contain violence. In November 2025, the JCF imposed a daily 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew for a "Montego Bay Corridor" that included Horace Chang Boulevard, requiring all persons within the boundaries to remain indoors unless authorized. While tourist areas are generally considered safer due to a heavy police presence, the underlying potential for crime and the resulting security operations are an operational reality. Businesses in Montego Bay operate within this dynamic, where periods of calm can be punctuated by sudden, targeted police actions in response to criminal activity.