Custos says Hanover is poised to become Jamaica’s safest parish once again
Published:Saturday | May 31, 2025 | 12:06 AMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
Buoyed by the substantial decline in murders and shootings in Hanover since the start of the year, the parish’s custos, Lennox Anderson-Jackson, is among the many residents who are hopeful that the parish will reclaim the ‘safest parish’ status it once held.
Based on the latest statistics released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Hanover is currently enjoying a 76 per cent decline in murders and a 68 per cent decline in shootings over the comparative period (January to May) last year. Up until a decade ago, Hanover consistently registered the lowest crime rate in Jamaica.
Speaking at the first day of the two-day 82nd Annual Joint Central Conference of the Jamaica Police Federation, Anderson-Jackson said he was quite pleased with the work being done by the police and he is quite hopeful that the parish will return to its former glory days, becoming a ‘safe haven’ for all once again.
“Under the auspicious and outstanding leadership of Superintendent Andrew Nish, the Hanover Police Division has been performing exceptionally well… we are seeing a notable improvement in crime prevention, community policing initiatives, swift and effective responses to incidents, which have resulted in greater public confidence and a safer environment for all,” he said.
COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Anderson-Jackson urged residents to support the efforts of the police by providing them with helpful information, in noting that crime fighting is a collective responsibility for all.
In speaking to the need to build on the gains that have been made so far this year, Anderson-Jackson made a personal appeal to Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, asking for additional police personnel in the parish, especially in the capital, Lucea, which he thinks will help to further blunt criminal activities in the area.
Turning his attention to the social and community relation issues, Anderson-Jackson the relationship between the police, the justices of the peace (JPs) and residents is quite excellent.
“This partnership has fostered a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and shared responsibility for the well-being of our communities,” he said, noting that the relationships that have been forged is exceptional.
Anderson-Jackson also used the opportunity to commend the leadership of the Jamaica Police Federation, past and present, for what he described as “keeping the spirit of dialogue alive, and for championing the trust of its members with integrity and resolve”.
The conference, which is one of the highlights on the JCF’s annual calendar, had ‘Embracing Transformation Through Partnership and Unity’ as its theme this year.