August Town celebrates ZERO murders in 2025

Residents of August Town are living a new reality as the St Andrew community celebrates a murder-free 2025, its first zero-kill year since 2016 -- almost a decade ago. The milestone comes amid a 41 per cent reduction in murders across Jamaica last year, according to the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

"August Town is the place to be right now," a 62-year-old resident of Bedward Gardens said, capturing the celebratory mood.

Superintendent Mark Harris, head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, hailed the achievement as a major milestone for his division and vowed to maintain the momentum.

"We are feeling great about this because it's a milestone for our division that we intend to maintain," Harris told THE STAR. He credited the results to consistent policing strategies and improved engagement with residents.

"Our strategies for 2025 continue into 2026, whether it be road policing, our effective management of public spaces, and also how our members approach and engage with our citizens."

August Town previously recorded zero murders in 2016, and Harris stressed that sustaining these results is now the goal. He also praised residents for their active participation.

"I will give all the credit to the citizens. They have formed their groups and have been active in the area. Every single thing that happens is reported and is mentioned and circulated in their groups."

Long seen as a 'hot spot,' August Town was declared a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) in 2020 as the government moved to restore peace, safety, and security.

These days, from Bedward Gardens to Love Lane, residents say confidence has grown steadily. People are partying late into the night, students are renting without fear, and neighbours are interacting openly as calm takes root across the community.

One female resident told THE STAR that the police presence has created a safer, calmer environment.

"Anytime you hear nothing a gwaan in August Town now a police a do them work. Nuh whole heap a shooting or bad energy nuh inna the place. You go a dance any hours now and nuh fraid."

Community Development Committee chairman Ricardo McCalpin said the zero-murder milestone reflects sustained effort across the community.

"To know that we have recorded zero murders for 2025 it's something to celebrate."

McCalpin noted that progress over the past three years has been steady.

"From having times of flare up of violence to 2025 achieving no murders is a great milestone. The people are jubilant and pleased. We have hard-working and educated people here who are proud of their community and everyone is appreciative that their community is coming to a stage of peace and sustainable development," he said.