St. Catherine North Zone 2 Records 40% Drop in Murders
The St. Catherine North police Zone 2 is reporting a 40% reduction in murders.
Zone 2 includes the communities of Ewarton, Bog Walk, Linstead, and Guys Hill.
The encouraging update was presented to Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness by Deputy Superintendent Marcia Blake, Zone Commander for the area, during a recent security briefing.
The decline in murders in the area is accompanied by a broader trend of reductions across all major crime categories in the country.
The Government continues to promote policy-based strategies to advance police operational, community-focused, and intelligence-led approaches aimed at maintaining peace and promoting long-term safety.
“As the murder rate goes down and the threat of gangs and reprisal killings is removed from consideration, then you can see a greater opening up and approvals for parties,” said Prime Minister Holness, noting the important link between security and community confidence.
Dr. Holness also highlighted how crime reduction efforts support Jamaica’s growing entertainment sector, particularly as the island approaches the busy summer season.
“What we should be doing now is to engage the promoters, the entertainers and those persons who are in that economy to say, how do we create safe venues, safe events?” the Prime Minister added, stressing the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement, local authorities, and entertainment stakeholders.
Deputy Superintendent Blake also confirmed that the division is taking an integrated approach, stating that all activities are being operationalized to ensure that residents can live, work, do business, and move about in peace.
The government aims to sustain this downward trend in crime while enabling growth in local economic and cultural activities.
The improvement in St. Catherine Mount Zone 2 aligns with broader national efforts to reduce violent crime, strengthen public trust, and create safer communities for both residents and visitors.