Fitz-Henley welcomes 24 per cent decline in murders

Jamaica is celebrating a significant drop in violent crime, with murders down 24% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, welcomed the latest statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which also show a 27% decrease in shootings.

As of July 5, 2026, Jamaica has recorded 275 murders, a reduction of 87 lives lost compared to the 362 recorded during the same period in 2025. Similarly, there have been 102 fewer shooting incidents reported this year. This positive trend marks the fourth consecutive year of substantial murder reductions in the first half of the year, following declines of 7.8% in 2023, 19% in 2024, and a remarkable 43% in 2025.

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Now would also be a good time for criminal elements to recognise that being engaged in crime will not pay as the administration and the security forces in partnership will not back down from continuing to pursue measures which have resulted in a major decline in murders for the past few years.

Senator Fitz-Henley urged law-abiding citizens to support the security forces in their efforts to maintain safety and security. She also issued a warning to criminal elements, stating that crime will not pay as the administration and security forces are committed to continuing the measures that have led to this decline. "The fact is this is the fourth consecutive year in which we are seeing a sizable reduction in murders during the first half of the year and the Government has every intention to ensure that this trend continues," Fitz-Henley stated.

Fitz-Henley attributed the success to the hard work of the security forces and the strategic vision of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang. She highlighted their deliberate efforts in researching and crafting effective policies, citing "Plan Secure Jamaica" as a key initiative that prioritized investment in public safety, national security, border protection, and intelligence capabilities. "The positive outcomes we are experiencing now reiterate that good policies matter," she added.

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The positive outcomes we are experiencing now reiterate that good policies matter.