Jamaica records 223 murders as of March 16

According to the police's latest crime statistics, Jamaica has recorded 223 as at March 16.

A total of 31 murders were recorded last week between March 9 and 16, adding to the 192 a week prior. This represents 29 less killing when compared to the period under review in 2023.

St James is still the most murderous police division of all 19 divisions, with 30 homicides, though this represents a 17 per cent decline when compared to the corresponding period last year.

St Catherine South 22, Westmoreland 20, St Andrew South 20, St Andrew Central 17 round out the top five divisions with the most homicides.

There were six murders in the Westmoreland police division last week. St Catherine South recorded seven murders.

While the country recorded the largest weekly jump in murders since the start of the year, homicides remain down 12 per cent when compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

Five of those homicides occurred in less than 24 hours in the Central Village community where two homes were firebombed in separate incidents resulting in the death of five residents. 

Three women and an infant were numbered among the deceased. 

A new police commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, Jamaica’s 15th top cop, take the reins today. 

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