Dear Editor,

Jamaica has long been burdened by an unacceptably high murder rate, a crisis that threatens our national security, economic growth, and social stability.

However, as we move through 2025, we have a critical opportunity to unite as a nation and achieve what once seemed impossible — bringing our murder rate below 1,000 for the first time in decades. This goal is not just for law enforcement; it requires the commitment of every Jamaican.

The men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) are on the front lines daily, risking their lives to keep us safe. While they play a crucial role in crime reduction, we must acknowledge that the fight against crime is not solely theirs, it is ours. The responsibility to create a safer Jamaica rests with every citizen, every community, and every institution.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, I had the privilege of preaching at the Commissioner’s Annual Devotion, where I echoed the call for us to set a national target of bringing murders below 1,000 this year. It was not just a message; it was a prayer for change. We must recognise that while we implement crime-fighting strategies, the spiritual battle against crime is just as real. We need divine intervention to change hearts, heal communities, and break the cycle of violence.

As we end the first quarter of the year showing significant and steady progress in reducing murders, let us now look to the second quarter with a singular focus as a nation, staying on this same trajectory. The downward trend must not only continue but accelerate, driven by strategic interventions and national unity.

We can support this mission in several ways:

1) Strengthen community-police relations – Too often, there is a deep mistrust between communities and law enforcement. We must foster relationships in which citizens feel safe to report criminal activity. Community policing must be embraced, and we should support initiatives that bring officers and residents together in meaningful ways.

2) Speak up against crime – Silence enables criminals. We must reject the culture of “informa fi dead” and recognise that protecting our communities is everyone’s duty. If you know something, say something. The police have numerous anonymous tip lines, and we must utilise them.

3) Parenting and youth mentorship – Many of our nation’s young men are being drawn into criminal activities due to a lack of positive guidance. We must strengthen parenting initiatives, mentorship programmes, and intervention strategies to steer them towards education and employment rather than gangs and crime.

4) Support legislative and judicial measures – Lawmakers and the judiciary must be supported in ensuring that tough but fair laws are enforced. Those who commit violent crimes must face swift justice, while rehabilitation programmes should be strengthened to reintegrate non-violent offenders into society.

5) Churches and civil society engagement – As a nation built on faith, our churches and civil society groups must play a greater role in violence-prevention. From counselling to conflict resolution programmes and offering support for at-risk youth, faith-based and community organisations must be active partners in this national fight.

Jamaica cannot afford another year of senseless bloodshed. We must set our sights on reducing murders to below 1,000 — not as a dream, but as a national mission. The JCF and JDF need our unwavering support, not just in words but in action.

Let 2025 be the year when we take back our streets, protect our children, and restore peace to our beloved country. With strategy, unity, and divine intervention, we will achieve this goal to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business.

Reverend Dr Courtney Faulknor

Founder and chairman of Talk About It Limited

Former president of the Caribbean Conference of 7th Day Christians

courtfaulk1@yahoo.com