Reducing Crime Will Ease Cost of Living for All Jamaicans – Prime Minister Holness
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has highlighted the broader national benefits of Jamaica’s declining crime rate, pointing out the success of the Government’s security strategy.
Dr Holness said the strategy is not only about public safety but also about reducing the cost of living and unlocking economic opportunity for all Jamaicans.
Speaking on the critical link between security and economic outcomes, the Prime Minister stated:
“The issue of security is not just one of public safety. The fact is that insecurity adds to the cost of living that you experience as a citizen.”
Prime Minister Holness explained that businesses across Jamaica are often forced to invest heavily in private security, which drives up operational costs that are then passed on to consumers.
“Every business operator has to add security as a significant line item. Therefore, with the Government reducing crime and alleviating security concerns to businesses, the cost of living to every Jamaican will also reduce.”
The Prime Minister urged Jamaicans not to view crime reduction solely through the lens of community safety, but also as a key driver of national economic growth.
“Do not look at the issue of police getting on top of murders and other serious crimes as just you being safe in your community and being able to go outside and have fun safely. It is also about the positive impact it will have on the cost of doing business, on investment confidence, and ultimately on your household budget.”
Prime Minister Holness noted that Jamaica is poised to achieve a historic milestone in 2025 with the country’s murder rate projected to fall below 1,000 for the first time in decades.
“When our murder rate reaches the sub-1,000 mark this year, it is going to send a powerful signal to the business community and to the rest of the world that Jamaica is serious about transforming our society. We are not just building a destination for tourism—we are building a secure, productive environment where businesses can come, operate, and thrive.”
In the meantime, the Government continues to invest in the modernization of the security forces, expanded intelligence capabilities, and community-based interventions that tackle crime at its root.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that public safety is a foundation for inclusive growth and prosperity and that sustained crime reduction remains a national priority.