Jamaica reports 31 homicides in a week, totalling 223 in 2024 so far: Reports

The Jamaica Constabulary Force published the latest statistics on Sunday, showing a major increase in homicides in the country. The data showed that the nation recorded 31 murders within a week between March 9 and 16, 2024. The latest crime statistics by the police also showed that the country recorded 223 murders as of March 16 this year. Before this week, the murder toll stood at 192, but the 31 homicides pushed it to 223. The data also revealed that this number is 29 less than the total number of murders recorded last year when compared to the same period. On March 16 last year, Jamaica recorded 252 murders. While the nation reported the largest weekly jump in murders since the beginning of the year, murders remain down 12% when compared to the corresponding period in 2023. The JCF also noted that the St James constituency remains the most murderous police division of all 19 divisions, with 30 homicides. But this number is 17% less than the number recorded last year.

Other areas in the country which recorded the most number of homicides are as follows:

• St Catherine South – 22
• Westmoreland – 20
• St Andrew South – 20
• St Andrew Central - 17 

In addition to this, the Westmoreland police division recorded six murders last week, while St Catherine South recorded seven murders. Talking about last week, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said that five of 31 murders took place within 24 hours in the Central Village community, where two homes were firebombed in different incidents, resulting in the death of five individuals. The deceased also included three women and one infant. Following the release of the latest data, citizens and residents have expressed their concerns over the lack of safety in the country, with people taking to Facebook urging the government to take necessary actions."Phew! Giving Gaza and Haiti competition. Doesn't look good at all and is a frightening situation," wrote a user named Audley Phillip, while another user said, "And the government feel proud to know its 29 less murder compared to the same time last year. Jamaica has gone to the dogs because of politics."