An increase in murders in Portland is becoming a worrying trend in the peaceful parish.

According to police statistics, the number of murders has more than doubled compared to the corresponding period last year. Portland has recorded 11 murders since the start of the year, compared to 4 during the same period last year.

Commanding Officer for the Portland Police Division, Superintendent Duane Wellington says investigations into the recent murders are ongoing.

Wellington says, two persons have been arrested and charged with the murder of a Hogan Jones, a businessman in Buff Bay in the parish on June 23.

People’s National Party Councilor for the Prospect Division, Wayne McKenzie says while he’s pleased with the progress made in Jones’ murder, he says has lost confidence in the police. He noted the 2018 murder of 24-year-old Kimberly Baugh a pregnant woman in Orange Bay, Portland. She was murdered while attending a party.

The councilor says he’s saddened by the increase in murders in Portland, and believes that an influx of strangers may be a part of the problem.

More in this CVM Live story from Aladden Love: