Murders Down 13 Per Cent Since January

The country has recorded a 13 per cent decline in murders since the start of the year when compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

Providing an update at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, February 5 at Jamaica House, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said Jamaica continues to experience a downward trend in murders and serious crimes.

“Jamaica’s homicide figure since the start of this year shows that the country is below its 2024 weekly average as the murder toll now stands at 73. This is the lowest number of murders to start the year in recent times,” she noted.

She informed that the 73 homicides recorded are 11 fewer or represent a 13 per cent decline when compared to the similar period in 2024 when 84 people were killed.

“So, that is 11 fewer mothers who are in pain, families who are suffering; it is a big feat, and remember, last year’s numbers were a decline from the previous year… 73 is still too high and we need to bring it down, but we are in so much of a better position than we have been in a long time,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon lauded the work of the security forces and urged Jamaicans to play their part in reducing the country’s crime figures.

“The police high command has publicly said that it wants to keep the murder statistics under 1,000 in 2025, and all of Jamaica, we have to work together to ensure that we are able to meet that target and each year keep bringing that number down. We believe that that is possible,” the Minister said.

She informed that as at February 1, all other areas of serious crimes, including shootings, injured persons, rape, robbery and break-ins have also declined.

“That’s wonderful, and we have to say congratulations to the security forces on a job well done,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.