SENIOR strategist in the Ministry of Tourism Senator Delano Seiveright has pointed to the decline in major crimes being recorded across the island since last year as the catalyst needed to further transform Jamaica.

“If we continue on the path on crime reductions, as we have now, Jamaica will be on track for prosperity,” declared Seiveright who was recently appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Following an address to a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Area Council One meeting at New Providence Primary School in St Andrew Eastern on Sunday, Seiveright told the Jamaica Observer that the significant progress in reducing major crimes is commendable.

“While every life lost is a tragedy, and we still have work to do, the numbers are undeniable. In 2024 murders fell by nearly 20 per cent after an eight per cent reduction in 2023 — that translates to roughly 265 fewer families grieving. Since the start of this year, murders are down approximately 24 per cent, and in January 2025 alone they were 51 per cent lower than in January 2022. These figures mark the strongest downward trend we’ve seen in two decades,” said Seiveright.

“December 2024 registered only 73 murders — the lowest monthly tally in 10 years — and during the Christmas week, from December 22 to 28, just six murders were reported — the lowest weekly count since 2001. Overall, major crimes — including rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults — have declined by 60 per cent since 2013 while active gangs have been reduced from 350 to about 170 today,” added Seiveright.

He argued that these critical safety improvements are coinciding with robust economic developments under the Holness Administration.

“It’s important to remember that our economic strides — such as the opening of four major hotels in Kingston by Jamaican investors, three of which represent leading global brands, and the explosive growth in Airbnb, occurred at a time when crime figures were not yet trending down as significantly as they have in the past two years.

“In 2017 Airbnb hosted around 59,500 guests; last year that figure multiplied by 14, with more than 800,000 local and international visitors generating revenues exceeding $32 billion. Much of this growth is centred in the Kingston Metropolitan area, where a robust building boom is fuelling opportunities for workers in construction, restaurants, ground transportation, and more.

“This surge is driving economic momentum, supporting the growth of the entertainment industry and enabling Kingston to host an increasing number of major events. These accomplishments highlight not only the Government’s performance under challenging conditions but also the resilience of our tourism strategy and overall economy. Imagine the possibilities when crime is brought under full control,” said Seiveright.