Blairs to visit Jamaica despite violence

Soldiers patrolling Kingston on Monday

Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie are to press ahead with an official visit to Jamaica despite recent violence which has left 20 people dead.

Downing Street confirmed on Tuesday that the Blairs are due to travel to the trouble-hit Caribbean island with a group of businessmen at the end of this month.

The Jamaican army has been called in to restore order in the capital, Kingston, where two days of gun battles have left 30 people injured.

The visit forms part of a six day trip, due to begin on July 29, which will also include Brazil and Mexico.

Mr Blair's spokesman said on Tuesday: "The trip, as things stand, is going ahead as we set out.

Concern

"Obviously the violence is a cause for concern. The Foreign Office is reviewing its travel advice and we will keep the situation under review, but as things stand they will be visiting Jamaica at the beginning of the week of the 29th."

The violence first erupted on Saturday when police entered a gangland stronghold in Kingston to search for weapons.

A political row has since developed with the government being accused of sending in troops mainly to areas where the opposition Labour Party are prominent.

Resorts safe

The Foreign Office advises that areas which have been hit by the violence should be avoided, especially West Kingston.

But it says that resorts on the North Coast, including Montego Bay, have not been affected and are safe to visit.

"Travellers are advised to take care on the road to and from Kingston airport, where they may encounter road blocks and fuel shortages," said a Foreign Office spokesman.

"Travellers are advised to check local radio and TV news on the island."