When you google Seaview Villas, Portland, it boasts breathtaking photos of the property which easily identifies it as one of the gems in Portland, Jamaica. However, that part of Jamaica has an unsavory reputation which has now impacted the popular Seaview Villas. More than likely due to the beauty of the property and its offerings, 16 young women decided to book villas there to celebrate their high school reunion earlier this month, August 2016. These women not only reside in Jamaica, but some who are now living in the United States also came for the reunion. However, their precious time together in celebrating their high school reunion turned into a nightmare. They were robbed, assaulted and three were raped. In fact, while Seaview Villas' website indicates the presence of security, it was later learned that the security is handled by a groundsman on the property and supposedly the male owner. It is disturbing to learn that legitimate security personnel as advertised has not been hired to protect guests. Even more disturbing is the subsequent revelation of Portland Superintendent of police, Oberline Smith-Whyte, that rape is very common in the parish as "It's a community problem." It is even more alarming that before the rape was committed, there is a report that one of the gunmen went directly to a draw and removed a pack of condom. Hmmh! How strange that he knew exactly where to go! Of course, this is a hush, hush case since it was revealed by talk show host Cliff Hughes on his program. Nevertheless, guests who are lured by Seaview Villas' beautiful photos and others visiting Portland need to be aware that rape, as described by the Portland police superintendent, is a prevalent crime throughout that part of Jamaica.
