KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting a 35.9 per cent decline in murders between January 1 and April 5 this year, when compared to the same period in 2024.

“That is a big decline in murders. The JCF’s crime data shows that 191 homicides were recorded up to April 5 and if you look at last year, January 1 to April 5, there were 298 murders. This year, we have 107 fewer than we did last year. That’s 107 less families mourning their children,” Minister of Education, Youth, Skills and Information, Senator Dana Morris Dixon, said.

“When the numbers were going up, we were all exclaiming in Jamaica, and rightly so. And as the numbers go down, we have to celebrate it, and it’s not just the homicide numbers. If we look at shootings, shootings are down by 26 per cent; rape, down by 57 per cent and robberies are down by seven per cent,” the minister added.

Senator Morris Dixon was speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing, held today (April 9) at Jamaica House.

She also informed that in his weekly address to the JCF in the Force Orders, Police Commissioner, Kevin Blake, noted that Jamaica recorded the lowest number of murders in more than 25 years.

He also highlighted that the first quarter of 2025 marks the sixth consecutive quarter in which murders have declined.

“Commissioner Blake also noted that the first quarter also saw the most significant drop in major crimes we’ve seen since 2001. These reductions are a result of continued investment in intelligence-led policing, technological upgrades, and strategic partnerships,” Senator Morris Dixon said.

–         JIS