KINGSTON, Jamaica—Major crimes have declined in St Thomas, and the police in the parish are commending the cooperation of citizens in their crime-fighting efforts.

Speaking during the St Thomas Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Morant Bay on April 9, newly appointed Commanding Officer for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) St Thomas Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rohan Ritchie, reported that three murders have been recorded in the parish since the start of 2026.

He noted that this represents a 40 per cent reduction compared to the five homicides recorded during the corresponding period last year, adding that all major crimes in the parish are down by 26 per cent compared to the same time in 2025.

Meanwhile, DSP Ritchie advised that the police are continuing efforts to clamp down on domestic violence and have been implementing initiatives to sensitise the public on constructive ways to resolve interpersonal conflicts.

“We have engaged… music and entertainment promoters in the division to amplify our message of a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence… to talk to people about their interpersonal conflicts that they’re having, and to say to the general population, also, that we have a zero-tolerance approach,” he stated.

The senior officer further revealed that police presence has been increased within the parish capital to help keep the town free of crime.

“The two transport hubs that we have in the Morant Bay area are now the ‘guinea pigs’ in terms of our efforts to ensure that those two hubs are sterile, free from offensive weapons, free from general loitering, and to ensure that the population can go about their business,” DSP Ritchie said.

The divisional chief added, “I must admit that while my sojourn in the parish is still early, the partnership we have been forging with our citizens is proving very successful. Citizens are on board.”

He further highlighted the support of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation in the police’s efforts to make the parish safer.

-JIS