Government Senator Christian Tavares-Finson says provisions in the current estimates of expenditure make it clear that despite a continued reduction in violent crimes this year, including murder, the Holness administration is making additional investments in the security forces to bring more positive results.

Tavares-Finson made the comment in the Senate during a 10-hour long debate on the Appropriations Bill which was approved just before 8:00pm on Friday evening.

The senator also sharply criticised the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) for, in his estimation, not partnering with the Government in fighting crime.

“Let me be clear, Mr President, the PNP under its current leadership can take no credit for the reduction in murders. They have done everything possible to obstruct the Government’s efforts. Our memories are not short. It was not so long ago they were demanding a crime plan while voting against decisive steps taken by the administration to cauterise violent crime,” Tavares-Finson observed.

The senator says the crime statistics speak with “unmistakable clarity and force” about the success of the Government’s anti-crime strategies.

“The number of murders recorded in Jamaica declined from 1,147 in 2024 to 673 in 2025. That is a 43 per cent reduction in a single year. Not marginal progress. Not incremental change. That is a decisive break from the past,” Tavares-Finson said.

“It is also the first time in 31 years that Jamaica’s murder toll has fallen below 700. The momentum has not slowed, indeed, it has strengthened. Between January 1 and March 14 this year, murders declined by a further 29.4 per cent compared to the same period last year,” the senator added.

Senator Tavares-Finson said the results have not been achieved by chance or coincidence but is the outcome of sustained, intelligence-led security operations, reinforced by deliberate legislative reform and the steady strengthening of Jamaica’s national security institutions.

According to Senator Tavares-Finson, it is evident that Jamaica is no longer reacting to crime but is systematically dismantling the scourge.

Tavares-Finson says the progress in the fight against crime has been enabled by the strategic use of emergency measures which have created the time and space for the security forces to build capacity, while simultaneously containing and reducing threats.

“Today, Mr President, the results are visible to every Jamaican: the capability of the State now exceeds that of organised criminal elements. The State must always hold the advantage and we have ensured it does,” Tavares-Finson said.

“We have invested in superior intelligence, stronger communications, enhanced mobility, and advanced tactical capability,” he continued, adding “But let us be equally clear: strength without principle is not security. We have insisted that these capabilities are exercised within the rule of law, with respect for human rights, compassion for victims, and protection for the most vulnerable among us.”

He reasoned that a critical pillar of the success has been the all-out assault on gangs, led by the Joint Anti-Gang Taskforce and lauded the security forces for their efforts.

“As we look ahead, we are not easing our efforts, we are expanding them. We heard through his contribution the prime minister indicate that in the coming financial year, the Jamaica Defence Force will advance the establishment of the Camp Wareika Forward Operating Base, spanning approximately 100 acres, at an estimated cost of J$5 billion,” Tavares-Finson said.

“This is not just an infrastructure project—it is a strategic investment in territorial dominance, enhanced communication, and real-time situational awareness across the Liguanea Plains,” he commented.

According to the government senator, the budget goes beyond a mere allocation but represents a transition from reactive crisis management to persistent and strategic readiness to deal with emerging threats.