PM credits tough crime fighting measures for decline in serious crimes

By Clinton McGregor    

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says tough crime fighting measures implemented by the government have contributed to a significant decline in serious crimes at the start of this year.

 

Addressing a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday, Dr. Holness argued that major investments in modern policing, intelligence gathering, and community partnerships are yielding results.

 

The Prime Minister has welcomed the latest crime statistics, which reveal a notable decline in serious crimes for the period January 1 to February 1, 2025.

 

The total number of reported serious crimes fell from 374 in 2024 to 294 in 2025, a reduction of 80 or 21.4 per cent.

 

Dr. Holness, has credited the achievement to enhanced policing strategies, improved community engagement, and the government's commitment to strengthening national security.

 

But while acknowledging progress, Dr. Holness said the government remained resolute in its mission to further reduce crime and ensure every Jamaican feels safe in their community.

 

He warned that criminal gangs and international criminal organisations pose a major threat to Jamaica and other countries in the region. 

 

"Jamaican gangs do not exist in a vacuum, demarked by our borders. They constitute one sector of a regional network of criminal organisations that strengthen each other through cooperation and trading in arms, drugs, and yes, intelligence. The gangs trade in intelligence. It has been said that Latin America and the Caribbean is the most violent region in the world that is not at war. Countries in this region may not be at war with each other, but believe me when I tell you, countries in this region are at war. They are at war with gangs," the Prime Minister suggested, pledging that the government will not allow gangs to threaten the stability of Jamaica.