Bomb threats disrupt Jamaica government offices as security forces vote

Government offices across the Corporate Area and rural parishes were disrupted on Friday after a series of bomb threats targeted several public institutions, prompting heightened security measures as security forces and election day workers voted ahead of the September 3 General Election.

Jamaica Labour Party General Secretary and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang condemned the threats, saying they appear designed to disrupt the democratic process. “I urge [them] to desist from seeking to cause disorder. It is important that the democratic voting process takes place unhindered and without the police being preoccupied with bomb threats which have been sent to some government of Jamaica ministries and agencies. Law and order will prevail,” Chang said.

Among the offices affected in Kingston were the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), the National Housing Trust (NHT), and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

In Manchester, offices at James Warehouse Plaza, including the Mandeville branch of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and the office of Member of Parliament Rhoda Crawford, were closed Friday morning. Police, firefighters, and soldiers cordoned off parts of the plaza to conduct safety checks.

In Port Antonio, the PICA office was also cordoned off, with traffic diverted as a precaution. The nearby National Insurance Scheme (NIS) office was closed. Deputy Superintendent for the Portland Police Division, Ainsley McCarthy, confirmed that all necessary precautions had been taken.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said all threats were being treated seriously, though those received thus far have proven unfounded. “Investigations into the authenticity of these threats are ongoing. Such actions are not only reckless and disruptive but also criminal. The JCF will pursue every lead to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable under the law,” the force said in a statement.

The JCF urged institutions and the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and report any suspicious activity to the Police Emergency line at 119. “Specialised teams are actively responding, and necessary security protocols are being enforced to protect staff, the public, and critical services. The JCF remains steadfast in its duty to safeguard Jamaica’s citizens and public spaces,” the statement said.

What do you think these bomb threats are about on election day?
Is this to get wicked pon dem because this naaa goh come easy?
Mark Golding, your words were vile and irresponsible. #ChooseJamaica

— Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn MP, OLY (@julietcuthbert) August 29, 2025

On social media, Minister of State for National Security Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn raised concerns over the timing of the threats. Writing on X, she asked: “What do you think these bomb threats are about on election day? Is this to get wicked pon dem because this naaa goh come easy? Mark Golding, your words were vile and irresponsible. #ChooseJamaica”