Prime Minister Andrew Holness is hailing what he describes as a historic decline in murders across Jamaica, citing the lowest figures in 34 years and a dramatic drop in violence, especially in previously troubled areas like St. James.
“Murders have dropped to their lowest level in 34 years, with the first quarter of 2025 recording a 43.3% reduction compared to last year, 210 fewer lives lost,” Holness wrote on social media. He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force has reported the lowest number of murders since official tracking began in 2001, with the second quarter on pace to continue the trend.
“We are seeing the results of strategic investment in law enforcement, stronger legislation, and community partnerships,” Holness added. “Your government remains focused on building a safer, more secure Jamaica for every Jamaican.”
Highlighting success in one of the island’s most historically violent parishes, the Prime Minister praised the St. James Police Division, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samuels. “So far this year, the division has recorded 22 murders, compared to 68 during the same period last year, a 67% reduction,” he noted. “Notably, for the entire month of May, the parish recorded one murder, and that incident was a domestic dispute.”
Holness commended the local police force’s “focused, intelligence-driven, and strategic work,” and called it “a clear reflection” of effective modern policing. “I commend their strong leadership, dedication, and meaningful engagement with the community,” he said.
In 2016, Jamaica’s murder rate was among the highest in the world, at 49.6 per 100,000. As of May 29, 2025, the country is seeing a 43% reduction in murders year-to-date. If the trend holds, Holness said, “we are on track for an annualized murder rate of 24.3 per 100,000, meaning we will have cut the national murder rate in half.”
“This is not by chance,” he stressed. “It is the result of deliberate, strategic, and unprecedented investment in national security by this administration.”
Since 2016, the Jamaican government has poured $87 billion into the security sector—more than triple the amount invested before that year. Today, roughly $9 billion annually is being allocated to law enforcement, intelligence, and operations.
“We are not just talking about security, not just praying about it, but doing the work, making the hard decisions, and investing where it counts to make Jamaica safer for every citizen,” Holness said. “There is more work to do, but let us recognize what has been achieved so far. We are turning the tide, step by step, investment by investment, life by life saved.”
