ETANA is not afraid. She said she is not allowing the rise in the murder rate to deter her decision to return to Jamaica to live permanently.

Up to Sunday, December 10, the murder rate was 1,521.

“Jamaica is nice, the vibe is nice, even though crime rate is high. I see whole heap of people with happy faces even though dem a struggle. Plus, the school system is tops in Jamaica. My decision to return was based on a little bit of everything, it is the perfect place to live; The only thing missing is more job opportunities for the poor, and increased pay for those who serve…the teachers, nurses and police,” Etana told Splash.

Etana, who was living in the US for seven years, relocated to Jamaica eight months ago.

According a recent World Bank report, at the end of September 2017, more than 1,150 murders were recorded, making Jamaica the fourth most murderous country in the entire world.

However, for Etana, Jamaica is the “right address”.

“Crime will exist but things will improve if the people get an opportunity to earn. I can’t walk away from my country. There is work to do in every country, we have to make it work for us. Jamaicans need to be more aggressive to get what they need to be happy citizens, don’t be so laid back, but fight back in a smart way instead of turning that aggression against your neighbour. Turn that anger towards the system and demand a change,” she said.

Etana, known for the songs I Am Not Afraid‘ and Wrong Address, will be releasing an album dubbed Reggae Fever in March next year. The 14-track album, distributed by Tad’s Records, showcases another side with My Man and Burned.

She will be heading from a 30-show North American tour running from February 9 to March 31, and she will jet off to do shows in the UK and on the African continent next year.

“It’s going to be a busy year,” she said.