Prime Minister Reports 50 Percent Reduction in Murders So Far This Year as Jamaica Moves Towards Becoming a Peaceful Nation
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says Jamaica has reached a historic turning point in public safety, recording a 50 percent reduction in murders compared to the same period last year, a transformation that is strengthening economic confidence, lowering business costs and improving Jamaica’s global brand as a peaceful and attractive investment destination.
The Prime Minister made this observation while addressing the 21st Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, emphasizing that no serious discussion on growth, investment or productivity can occur without confronting violence as a national economic risk.
Dr. Holness stated, “No discussion on economic confidence and investment would be complete without addressing public safety. In 2025, Jamaica recorded a 42 percent reduction in homicides compared to 2024. This is not a fluke. In 2023, we had an eight percent reduction. In 2024, we had a 19 percent reduction. As of today, we are 50 percent below last year this time.”
Prime Minister Holness explained that the results are the outcome of deliberate, measured and sustained action under Plan Secure Jamaica, which has been supported by a ninety-billion-dollar investment in national security and institutional capacity. The Prime Minister stressed that violence carries a direct economic cost, reducing productivity, increasing security expenses for households and businesses, and limiting Jamaica’s growth potential and access to global markets.
“We have been very clinical, very strategic, very deliberate, and very committed to reducing the ultimate index of violence in the society, which is the murder rate. It was one of those intractable problems that many thought Jamaica would never overcome.” said Prime Minister Holness.
The Prime Minister also called for a unified national stance to eliminate violence, describing the current decade as a defining opportunity for lasting peace. “Let this be the decade where we remove violence from our society in the same way that we have achieved fiscal discipline. Let us use this decade to eliminate violence from our society. Let this be the decade when Jamaica truly attains peace.”
Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed that the Government will remain just and inclusive while enforcing firm consequences for criminal behaviour, noting that sustained peace is essential to safeguarding Jamaica’s economic future, social justice and international reputation as a safe and welcoming country.