KINGSTON, Jamaica—If the current trends continue, Jamaica could record fewer than 600 murders this year, according to Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang.

He made the observation on Tuesday as he lauded the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for a 36 per cent reduction in murders this year when compared to last year.

Chang, who is also the deputy prime minister, was speaking in Gordon House, where he opened the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate.

He highlighted that 187 murders were recorded in the first quarter of 2025, marking the third straight quarter of decline since the second quarter of 2024.

“Even more compelling – major crimes (murder, shooting, rape, robbery, and break-ins) have now fallen for six consecutive quarters, starting from quarter 3 of 2023,” he said.

“When we examine the monthly murder count since July 2024, the trend line confirms a general steady decline in murders. So far this year – January 1 to April 27 – there have been 227 murders. This represents 132 fewer lives lost, or a 37 per cent reduction compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

Major Crimes are down by 19 per cent over the same period,” added the security minister.

“If the current downward trend in murders continues …we are on track to record fewer than 800 murders in 2025”. This would represent not only a historic low, but a major victory for every law-abiding Jamaican,” he said.

“If we continue along those lines, we will have under 600 murders this year”.