'We are not going to tolerate it', Vaz concerned about increase in murders rocking Portland

Member of Parliament (MP) for Western Portland, Daryl Vaz, says that as the parish holding the title of safest in the country, he is concerned about the increase in murders rocking the area.

Vaz, who is also the Member of Parliament for Western Portland, was addressing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters at an Area Council Two meeting on Sunday at Lynch Park in Buff Bay in the parish.

Vaz argued that persons with criminal intent are entering the parish to disrupt what he described as the peace being enjoyed by law-abiding residents.

"I am very upset in relation to the upsurge in crime in Portland. We are not accustomed to drive-by shootings. And we have had two in the last few days," Vaz said.

"We've been accustomed to being the safest parish for decades and we have lost that position. I want to commend the Commissioner (Commissioner of police, Kevin Blake) and the Minister of National Security (Dr Horace Chang) because we had the lowest rate in murders in February in 25 years and you can see the work that is being done," he added.

Vaz, who is also the Minister of Science Energy, Telecommunications and Transport questioned what has changed in the past months that has led to the increase in murders.

"I have been the Member of Parliament from 2007 to 2025 and everything remains calm. My wife (MP Ann-Marie Vaz) has been there from 2019 to 2025, six years. We have seen an influx of importees and deportees. And I am calling on the police high command, tonight, and the minister of national security, flush them out and flush them out quick. No matter who they are or who they represent. We are not going to tolerate it. And I can tell you that I will be on it from now until we restore Portland to its original state of peace and safety," Vaz concluded.

Since the start of 2025 five murders have been committed in the Portland police division, when compared to two during the corresponding period last year. There were 13 reported murders during the entire year in 2024.

- Gareth Davis

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