Jamaica recorded 31 murders last week

Jamaica recorded 31 murders last week, according to the latest statistics published on Sunday by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

It covered the period March 9 and 16.

The country's murder toll now stands at 223 as at March 16, up from 192 a week prior.

At March 16 last year, the country recorded 252 murders, this represents 29 less killing during the period under review in 2024.

While the country recorded the largest weekly jump in murders (31) since the start of the year, homicides remain down 12 per cent when compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

The week of March 2 - 9 ended with 19 murders, putting the national tally at 192.

St James is still the most murderous police division of all 19 divisions, with 30 homicides, though this represents a 17 per cent decline when compared to the corresponding period last year.

St Catherine South 22, Westmoreland 20, St Andrew South 20, St Andrew Central 17 round out the top five divisions with the most homicides.

There were six murders in the Westmoreland Police Division last week.

St Catherine South recorded seven murders.

Five of those homicides occurred in less than 24hrs in the Central Village community where two homes were firebombed in separate incidents resulting in the deaths of five residents. 

Three women and an infant were numbered among the deceased. 

Meanwhile, shootings are up one per cent, and injured persons up with two more incidents.

Rape, robberies and break-ins are down 42, five and 16 per cent, respectively.

A new police commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, Jamaica's 15th top cop, takes the reins tomorrow. 

- Andre Williams 

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