THE country’s murder numbers continue to tumble in 2025, with a 39 per cent decline in homicides this year, when compared to the same period in 2024.

Even more significant is that murders in the month of May are roughly 50 per cent below where they were during May last year.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang provided the latest update and continued to sing the praises of the police, during an appearance at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

He shared that between January 1 and May 5 this year, there were 237 murders which represents 148 fewer lives lost when compared with the similar period in 2024.

“As of this morning [Wednesday], the reduction is 39 per cent, and we would like to commend the Commissioner [Dr Kevin Blake] and his team for the work they’re doing, supported by the ministerial staff,” Chang said.

He told the media briefing that major crimes, including rape and robberies, were down 20 per cent year-on-year.

“So the trend is going well, and I use the word trend. I’m not saying victory yet because everybody will wonder what would happen tomorrow, but we’ve had four months of consistency,” the minister stated. He said the month of May was currently recording at least 50 per cent fewer murders when compared to May 2024.

“That’s the kind of numbers we’re seeing. We’re not just seeing a decline in crime year-over-year, but we’re recording some historic low crime statistics”.

Chang repeated some of what he shared during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on April 29, including:

The lowest weekly murder count (six) during Christmas week of 2024 making it “the most peaceful Christmas we’ve had in 25 years”.

The weekly murder rate has been declining since September 2024, except for one week in November when there was a spike.

Lowest murder number for a month (44) in April.

Lowest quarterly murder rate of 187 recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Chang said his North West St James constituency, which covers about three-quarters of Montego Bay, recorded as many as 187 murders in a single year.

Most consecutive weeks of murders below 15 (eight).

Most weeks in a quarter with murders below 20 in 25 years and lowest quarterly major crimes in 25 years with 819 cases.

The security minister said the number was still high and still not desirable. “But, when you’re coming from where I used to get 21 in a weekend, you have a different atmosphere in the place,” he highlighted.

Chang emphasised that 21 murders were committed over one weekend in his constituency.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to public order and public safety. Security is a fundamental pillar of national development. Many will say a secure country with a good education system will grow. We will continue to take bold, decisive steps to preserve the peace, uphold the rule of law, and protect the lives of every Jamaican.”