WESTMORELAND, Jamaica —National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says a continued reduction in crime can be used as a negotiating tool with the US government against travel advisories that negatively impact the tourism industry.

He made the comment while addressing the official opening of the Frome Police Station in Westmoreland on Friday, against the background of a more than 30 per cent decrease in murders nationally since the start of the year.

Police Area One, western Jamaica, recorded an 83 per per cent reduction in homicides last month compared to the corresponding period last year. The division encompasses the parishes of Trelawny, St James, Hanover, and Westmoreland, which combined account for the highest concentration of hotels in Jamaica.

“The success in public safety and good order is a foundation and pillar for building your country. And a simple fact of that, we keep these numbers right, I have a point to argue with those who write these travel advisories,” stated Chang who is also the deputy prime minister.

The minister noted that travel advisories have an impact on tourism.

“So, all aspects of the work of security is not only protecting Jamaicans physically but it is protecting our economy, our community and quality of life that we seek to achieve,” added Chang, who noted that the security forces and the police in particular are crucial to the country’s development process.

Last January, the US Department of State in a Level 3 travel advisory advised its citizens to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica due to high crime rates and limited access to quality healthcare. However, a few months later the department updated its travel advisory for Jamaica, maintaining the destination’s Level 3 advisory but saying that “tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.”

During the ceremony on Friday, Chang thanked the police for their hard work, as well as citizens for the support they have given to the cops, who he said, have been provided with better resources from the government.

Chang said that the drastic reduction of homicides in Area One is commendable.

“The trend going down is a steep decline. [It] is coming from a high of 41 per month. Last month, February 2025, it was seven for the month,” stated Chang to a round of applause.

“When you get that kind of number, you have to commend the efforts,” added Chang, who noted that as a physician and politician, he prefers to talk about saving lives rather than attending funerals.

The minister noted that at the rate the year has started, the country could see under 800 people being killed.

“The rate at which we have started the year, and we are now in the third month, we could see under 800 murders. That is what they [police has targeted, you know, because they know that we are coming from a high number and they are prepared to work and I am prepared to wait and give them the resources to take it down,” stated Chang, who said this will be done in a manner where the police recognise and respect the rights of people.

For his part, police commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has commended the commanding officer for Westmoreland, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Othnril Dobson, and his team under the guidance of the Police Area One head, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Glenford Miller, for a more than 38 per cent reduction in murders and 45.7 per cent in overall major crimes. He also commended the citizens.

“I also want to recognise the citizens of the parish for their contribution to these results. Many times when things go well, we say we did it, and when things goes badly, we say it is all of us responsibility. So, we need to share in that celebration,” stated Blake.

“In addressing the challenges of crime and violence, it goes beyond the enforcement of law. It is a community effort, and so it requires cooperation from residents, businesses, and all stakeholders.

“So, your decision not to commit a crime, your decision to protect your community, your decision to harden your own target helps us and obviously, much of that was being done. So, I want to thank the citizens as well and invite you in celebrating the success that is taking place in this parish,” added the commissioner.

Chairman of the Police Federation, Sergeant Arleen McBean, thanked the Ministry of National Security, Project ROC, the police high command, the National Housing Trust, and the citizens of the parish for making the project a reality. The JCF Property Management and Maintenance Division also played a part.

Similar to calls made by citizens in the past, McBean noted that the rebuilding of the station to replace the old building, which was in a state of disrepair, is something the federation has lobbied for over the years.

Ground was broken for the construction of the Frome Police Station on September 15, 2022. The facility was constructed at a cost of $200 million, with funding from the National Housing Trust (NHT).

“This modern facility will enhance the efficiency of our police officers, improve their working conditions, and provide a more welcoming space for community engagement,” reasoned Commissioner Blake, who also urged community members to view the police station not just as a place to report crimes but also as a centre for partnership, a centre for trust, and problem-solving.