Jamaica records 24 per cent reduction in murders – Chang

Jamaica has recorded a 24 per cent reduction in murders this year when compared to the corresponding period in 2025. As at Tuesday, October 6, there were 407 homicides recorded across the country, according to the Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, who provided the update during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives. Chang noted that this compares with 534 murders during the similar period last year. He also shared that between July and September, Jamaica recorded 123 murders. “This is the lowest quarterly figure recorded in more than three decades,” he said while pointing out that September recorded 36 murders, the lowest monthly total in more than 30 years. It was also the fourth month this year in which Jamaica recorded 40 or fewer murders. Chang highlighted that five of the first nine months of 2026 are among the lowest monthly murder totals recorded in more than three decades. Additionally, the first three quarters of 2026 are the lowest quarterly murder totals recorded over that period. “Just a few years ago, 123 murders was a figure Jamaica could record in a single month. In May 2024, Jamaica recorded 134 murders. In 2017, the monthly average was 137 murders. Today, 123 murders represent an entire quarter,” said Chang. He expressed that, “for decades, high levels of murder and violence became tragically normalised in our society. We are now seeing a sustained reversal of that trend”. Chang told the Parliament that the Government remained committed to its policies even when they were questioned and criticised. “We increased the strength of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. We invested in its people, infrastructure, technology, equipment and mobility. We provided our police officers with the resources they needed and the operational space to do their jobs effectively,” he said. The security minister commended the leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and all members for their execution of the Government’s policies and programmes. “I especially commend the brave men and women on the front line. Their courage, professionalism and sacrifice continue to drive these gains. Every day, they place themselves in harm’s way to protect the Jamaican people. Their service must be recognised and appreciated,” he said. -Lynford Simpson