Gov’t to Implement Comprehensive Social Services Response to Violence

The Government will begin the buildout of a comprehensive social services response to violence, this year.

This will include education and youth services, faith-based and non-governmental organisation (NGO) social partnership initiatives to promote restorative justice and peace building in communities, and social safety net support targeted at those most at risk and vulnerable to violence.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in his 2024 New Year’s message, said the comprehensive plan will also entail public health intervention and services, public education, among other initiatives.

“Therefore, in 2024, my Administration will turn the machinery and resources of government to focus on reducing violence, building our socio-emotional intelligence and human capital, strengthening our families and promoting peace in our land,” he noted.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister said, the Administration will continue to build out the plan to sustainably secure Jamaica, noting that the total number of serious crimes is the lowest in two decades.

“Murders are down about 7.5 per cent, that is approximately 120 lives saved, and serious crimes overall are down 10 per cent. In fact, the total number of reported serious crimes, murder, shooting, rape, robbery, break-in, is the lowest in 20 years,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that critical pieces of legislation such as the new Firearms Act, Bail Ac, amendments to the Offences Against the Person Act, along with the anti-gang law, as well as improved intelligence and policing operations, are having strong impact on reducing crime overall.