KINGSTON, Jamaica -- As the manhunt for alleged drug kingpin Christopher "Dudus" Coke drags into a third week and the government takes its anti-gang crusade nationwide, this nation of 2.6 million is fretting about the strength of its economic backbone: the event and tourism industries.

As scenes of firefights between government forces and gunmen loyal to Coke spooked tourists, airlines canceled flights, event planners pulled the plug and the government suspended its promotional ads.

The only comparable event is a hurricane, said Wayne Cummings, the president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association.