KINGSTON, Jamaica— State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Abka Fitz-Henley says Jamaica being on track to record the lowest number of murders in a calendar year in over 30 years is evidence of the vital importance of sound and deliberate policy-making and effective partnership between Government and the security forces.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) revealed earlier this week that with just over 600 murders committed in Jamaica this year, with just over two weeks to go in the year, the island is set to record below 700 murders for the first time since 1994 when 690 people were killed.

Senator Fitz-Henley says over 600 murders in an island as small as Jamaica is still too many. However, he says the gains should be noted within the appropriate context.

“Prior to and when the Holness-administration came to office in 2016, there was understandably an outcry concerning violent crime. The appeal for action rightfully made it to the front-page of newspapers. Dr Holness had been at work and in the 2017/2018 budget was able to table in the parliament, ‘Plan Secure Jamaica’ which presents a comprehensive road-map to reducing violent crime and promoting peace in society. We are seeing positive outcomes now of deliberate policy-making and effective partnership with the security forces,” Fitz-Henley said in a social media post.

The state minister says it would not be wise to delve into the finer details of strategies which have reduced murders in Jamaica by 43 per cent so far this year.

However, he said policies which include a massive boost in the intelligence capabilities of the security forces, unprecedented investment in border protection and technology at Jamaica Customs to stem the flow of guns into the island and a more targeted approach to dismantling gangs are bearing fruit.

“The passage of a suite of legislation including giving effect to Zones of Special Operation, amendments to the anti-gang law, the DNA evidence act and sustained support to the security forces including improving their numbers on the ground and their work environment have all played a part,” Fitz-Henley said.

Minister Fitz-Henley said despite the significant progress made this year, the Government is not on a victory lap.

“Prime Minister Holness and National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang under whose watch this reduction has been achieved are by no means resting on their laurels. The administration understands that the effort at reducing violent crime has to be sustained and no doubt will continue to devise additional policies and plans to make our society a safer and more secure place,” Senator Fitz-Henley concluded.