Fitz-Henley credits "effective partnership" for dramatic decline in murders

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister Abka Fitz-Henley says an effective partnership between the Government and the security forces has contributed significantly to Jamaica recording its lowest third-quarter murder tally in three decades.

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang recently reported that 122 murders were recorded over the three months, July to September, 2026.

That is the lowest number of murders recorded during a third quarter in 30 years.

Senator Fitz-Henley says the Government continues to develop additional strategies aimed at reducing violent crime.

“ No commendation is too high for the dedication and the efforts of the men and women of the security forces who have played a major part in securing these positive gains for Jamaica,” he said. 

He said the “massive investment” in the general security of Jamaicans has played a part in the gains, “including boosting of intelligence capabilities of the security forces, more boots on the ground, increased border protection, and a suite of legislation which w-were brought to the parliament.”

“All have played their part in the massive reduction,” he declared, but stressed that “we can't afford to be complacent.”

Fitz-Henley added that the narrative surrounding violent crime in Jamaica has changed in some quarters.

 “We have gone from a situation in 2016, 2017 where there were calls for a crime plan. I think the folks, including the Opposition, who were making the calls, meant an anti-crime plan. Murders have since declined by approximately 60 per cent,” he noted. 

But, “only last week,” he said, the National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang had reported that Jamaica has experienced its lowest third quarter in murders for the past 30 years. 

“Now, what we're hearing from some of the same quarters is that aspects of the law pertaining to acts which in Jamaica have long been regarded as criminal are too harsh,” he charged.