Chang reports steady progress in crime fight

Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang has conceded that the Government is not yet in a position to declare victory against the blood-sucking criminals on this island, this despite the security forces managing to reduce homicides by double digits since the start of the year.

Data published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) indicate that as of April 23, murders were down by 16.4 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year.

The police have recorded 388 murders up to April 23, which is 76 fewer than the 464 at the corresponding point last year. The figure represents the lowest murder rate for a first quarter in the last seven years, Chang said.

"At this juncture, we are not seeking to raise a flag of victory," said Chang while contributing to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday. He said the security forces "are making steady progress" and "we are seeing seeds of success".

The minister told fellow legislators that the continued use of the States of Public Emergency, expansion in the size of the security forces and investment in equipment and technology, and increased presence and visibility of the police officers are the main drivers behind the reduction.

A staggering 1,498 murders were recorded in Jamaica in 2022. Murders first crossed the 1,000 mark in 1997 when 1,038 were recorded. The bloodiest year in Jamaica's history was 2009, when 1,683 murders were committed.