Murders Down in St. James

Commanding Officer for St. James, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Eron Samuels, says the parish continues to record a major reduction in murders, even as the Division maintains order after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing Thursday’s (November 13) monthly meeting of the St. James Municipal Corporation in Montego Bay, SSP Samuels said: “We are still, I believe, in a good state when it comes on to murders. We are at 46 murders, 70 less compared to last year.”

He noted that the figure remains stable, despite the division diverting significant resources to storm-related duties.

Mr. Samuels reported that the division continues to support relief operations, to include assisting with relief distribution in terms of providing escorts and in assisting in the treatment of people.

He assured Councillors that despite the additional responsibilities, Montego Bay remains secure.

The Commanding Officer added that the police have kept a strong presence throughout the parish.

“We have maintained our presence along the roadways, so it is safe for persons to come and assist with aid distribution without an escort in Montego Bay and all other areas in St. James,” he said.

Mr. Samuels also informed that the division quickly contained isolated reports of looting in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane on October 28.

SSP Samuels commended partner agencies for their efforts during recovery operations.

“We must single out the Jamaica Fire Brigade for the support that they have given to us throughout the storm and after the storm… they have been assisting us at the stations with water,” he said.

He urged continued unity among agencies as the parish rebuilds. “We must respect the fact that nobody here had experienced something of this magnitude, and we need to work together to ensure that we bring Montego Bay back,” SSP Samuels said.