Murder rate falls for 2nd consecutive year in Jamaica, one of the 5 most violent countries in the world!

With 971 homicides recorded in 2003, Jamaica is one of the 5 countries where such brutality occurs most in the world. Despite a 7% drop in the number of murders, the island's Minister of Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, says the reduction achieved is still not a reason to celebrate, there is still much to improve. In fact, the 15% reduction in the murder rate over 2 years is a major milestone, but Phillips emphasizes that it will still take a long time and effort for the country to see itself less threatened by fear and crime. "In four or five years, initiatives in terms of changing police tactics, as well as improvements in the social area, health, education and sports led the crime rate to decrease, but there is still much to be done," says Peter. Currently, 37 murders occur per 100,000 inhabitants in Jamaica, one of the highest rates in the world. "In the same way that we improved the structure of our police, the capacity to fight crime will increase and we will be increasingly tough about it," Phillips adds. However, the opposition says there should be no fuss, which would only help the rate grow again.

MURDERS IN JAMAICA: 1998 to 2003

2003: 971 2002: 1045 2001: 1139 2000: 887 1999: 849 1998: 953