Jamaica is witnessing a remarkable decline in crime, signaling a potential turning point in the nation’s long-standing battle against violence. According to Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang, the island has experienced a significant decrease in murders, reaching levels not seen in a quarter of a century.
Dramatic Reduction in Murders
During the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 24th, Minister Chang reported the latest figures, highlighting the positive trajectory. The month of April 2025 recorded a notably low murder count of 45. This represents the lowest monthly figure in 25 years, a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s strategic initiatives. Furthermore, the current quarter, spanning April to June 2025, is projected to conclude with the lowest quarterly murder figure since the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) began meticulously collecting crime data, approximately 25 years ago. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 188 murders, recorded in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring the accelerating positive trend.
Projected Murder Rate and Historical Context
The impact of these developments is far-reaching, and the projections are equally encouraging. The murder rate for the year is expected to close at approximately 24 per 100,000 inhabitants. This would represent the lowest murder rate since 1991, reflecting a sustained period of improvement and progress in curbing violent crime across the country.
Increased Firearms Seizures and Ammunition Recovery
The Ministry of National Security attributes these positive outcomes to a comprehensive strategy focused on crime prevention and law enforcement. A key component of this strategy involves actively targeting illegal firearms and ammunition, with notable success in recent months. Since the beginning of the year, up to June 21st, a total of 738 firearms have been seized by law enforcement agencies. This marks a substantial 81 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a more aggressive approach to removing weapons from the streets.
Accompanying the increase in firearm seizures is a dramatic rise in ammunition recovery. Authorities have recovered 39,776 rounds of ammunition so far this year, representing an approximately seven-fold increase over the amount recovered during the same period in 2024. The surge in recovered ammunition underscores the scale of the operation and its effectiveness in disrupting criminal activities and removing potential instruments of violence from the community.
Declining Gang Activity and Strategic Investments
Minister Chang further emphasized that the efforts are producing positive results across multiple fronts. Murders and major crimes are experiencing a notable downturn, with gang activity also demonstrably on the decline. This multifaceted approach, encompassing improved law enforcement, targeted interventions, and enhanced community engagement, is yielding tangible results. The success is a direct outcome of what the Minister describes as “deliberate planning, strategic investments, and great leadership.”
The government’s commitment to tackling crime appears to be bearing fruit. The decrease in murders and other major crimes, coupled with the increase in firearm seizures and ammunition recovery, suggests a significant shift in the country’s security landscape. These are not merely statistics; they represent the lives saved and the communities made safer by the combined efforts of the government, law enforcement, and the Jamaican people. The sustained efforts and continued strategic investments will be crucial in maintaining this positive trajectory and ensuring a safer future for all Jamaicans.