Jamaica has tremendous energy and diversity. Christopher Baker, author of several Caribbean guidebooks, agrees. There's nothing marshmallow about Jamaica. It's all sharp edges. Tourism officials say they have made strides in curbing annoyances, most notably the often relentless hustling by street sellers.
Officials concede convictions are difficult to get, but they say the threat has been a deterrent.
The incidents ranged from petty theft to armed robbery. A little common sense on the part of tourists would prevent many of those cases, says Harry Knowles, a consultant to the Jamaica Tourist Board. Every town has a wrong side of the tracks. If everyone who traveled took the same precautions they took at home, there wouldn't be many problems. Stepped-up police bike patrols to complement foot patrols in busy tourist areas have further reduced harassment, Knowles says.