Critics Demand Crime Plan as Murders Climb

Some major crimes are down, but murders and shootings are up. And while the government tackles the COVID-19 pandemic, some critics argue that crime is being neglected. One political commentator says more needs to be done to assure law-abiding citizens and stem crime.  

As of March 15, major crimes in Jamaica are down by 13.4 %, with one hundred and fifty-nine (159) fewer incidents, reported this year, compared to the same period last year. Among them, robberies, break ins and rapes.

However, 303 murders have been recorded when compared to two hundred and eighty-seven (287) during the same period in 2020; a 5.6 % increase.

Shootings are also up, by 3.8 %. Senior communications strategist for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Dennis Brooks, says while the increase appears alarming, this is the culture.