Prime Minister Highlights Transformation in Public Safety in Montego Bay
By: , December 11, 2025
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, pours the symbolic final concrete mix on the 28th floor of the landmark Pinnacle – Jamaica’s tallest building – in Montego Bay, St. James, on December 10.The Full Story
Prime Minister Highlights Transformation in Public SafetyPrime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says there has been a marked transformation in public safety, criminal violence, and organised crime in Montego Bay, St. James, visible to the entire country.
He recalled 2017 when St. James endured more than 200 murders, forcing the Government to declare a State of Public Emergency, among other measures, to bring things under control.
“Those interventions reduced murders, and we have maintained those gains for several years,” he said, citing current data as evidence of a marked transformation.
The Prime Minister was speaking to business leaders and tourism stakeholders on December 10, during a tour of the almost completed 28 floors of Tower One of The Pinnacle.
This year, St. James has recorded a 42.5 per cent drop in homicides, following declines of 19 per cent in 2024 and eight per cent in 2023.
Jamaica’s national homicide rate has improved markedly, dropping from about 50 per 100,000 people to approximately 25 per 100,000, placing the country among the region’s lower crime rate leaders.
Dr. Holness emphasised that durable reductions in crime are essential if Montego Bay is to fulfil its economic potential.
“For The Pinnacle and for Montego Bay to reach their full potential, we must continue lowering the murder rate and safeguarding citizen security and public order,” he said.
“If we maintain this progress, the Hip Strip – Jimmy Cliff Boulevard – will accommodate more visitors and locals enjoying the area. It’s about safety and seamless experiences… that’s what our visitors demand,” the Prime minister continued.
Overlooking the Montego Bay marine reserve, the private Pinnacle community will be home to four elegant apartment towers, villas, sports and leisure facilities, shops and restaurants.
Tower One’s 100-metre height makes The Pinnacle the nation’s tallest building, setting a new benchmark for luxury residential development.
It is the first phase of a US$450-million master-planned development by LCH Development Ltd, in partnership with Accor/Ennismore.
