The Canadian Government is telling anyone who is travelling to Jamaica to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ after an increase in violent crime and a military lockdown in an area that includes the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay.

The government’s safety note urges anyone staying at a resort in the affected area to “restrict your movements” to the property.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister has said escalating criminal activity was endangering public safety, necessitating a state of public emergency and the deployment of military forces.

A married couple from Winnipeg was found dead earlier this month while visiting Jamaica.