In a landmark announcement from St James, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness revealed the nation’s extraordinary success in combating violent crime, projecting that annual homicides will drop below 700 for the first time in nearly four decades. This achievement marks a turning point in Jamaica’s long-standing battle against criminal violence.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the newly reconstructed Little London Police Station in Westmoreland last Friday, Holness detailed the government’s substantial investment exceeding $90 billion in national security infrastructure over the past nine years. This strategic allocation of resources has yielded consistent annual improvements, with the murder rate declining by 42% this year, following reductions of 21% last year and 7% the previous year.
The Prime Minister specifically praised the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) for their exceptional dedication, particularly during the recent Hurricane Melissa crisis. He highlighted remarkable instances of bravery where officers from St James intercepted attempted robberies during the hurricane instead of seeking shelter.
Holness emphasized that this crime reduction stems from deliberate policy decisions rather than chance. ‘The Government made strategic investments and provided clear policy direction to our security forces, and we are now witnessing the tangible results of that commitment,’ he stated.
The Prime Minister further noted the expanded role of police forces as community pillars during disasters, with police stations transforming into vital hubs for internet access, charging stations, safety shelters, and distribution centers in hurricane-affected areas.
These security improvements, according to Holness, reflect a collaborative achievement between policy implementation and citizen support. The government remains committed to building further resilience and enhancing public safety measures across the island nation, with continued investment in law enforcement capabilities to ensure Jamaica becomes increasingly secure for all residents.