KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mar 18, CMC – The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has praised the work of the security forces, citizens and other government agencies, as the country records a 31 per cent reduction in the murders so far this year.
“This remarkable achievement underscores the impact of sustained collaboration, strategic investments in national security, and the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders involved in tackling crime,” the JCC said in a statement.
Last week, National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang, said Jamaica had recorded a 30 per cent decrease in murders since the start of the year and that he remains optimistic that the downward trend would continue and that Jamaica could achieve its target of recording fewer than 1,000 murders by the end of the year.
“I look at those statistics regularly and I can say today, nationally, we are 30.7 per cent behind. It’s the first time we are going to hit 30 per cent. If we maintain that we’ll go below the target 1,000,” he told the Sandals Corporate University Leadership Training Initiative ceremony last Thursday.
Figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) show that for the period January 1 to March 15 this year, the country had recorded a total of 158 murders as compared with 228 for the same period last year.
The JCF said that shootings had also declined during the period from 216 last year to 164, a 24.1 per cent decline, and that other serious crimes, such as rape, had also registered a decline.
“Crime is the number one concern for Jamaican businesses, with only a few exceptions during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction in crime not only enhances the safety and well-being of citizens, but also boosts business confidence, encourages investment, and paves the way for stronger economic growth,” the JCC said in its statement.
It said it stands firmly in support of continued collaborative efforts to further reduce crime and build a safer, more prosperous Jamaica.
“We are encouraged by this momentum and urge all stakeholders to keep pushing forward. Keep up the great work. Jamaica’s fight against crime is moving in the right direction,” the JCC said, extending congratulations to the JCF, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), the Ministry of National Security, Crime Stop, Crime Monitoring & Oversight Committee (CMOC) and all other supporting agencies, community groups, and concerned citizens working in unison to create safer communities.
The number of people murdered in Jamaica amounted to 1,141 in 2024, down from the 2023 figure of 1,393.
CMC/ah/ir/2025