One murder on Election Day, but Jamaica’s double-digit streak continues

Jamaica recorded consecutive weeks of double-digit murders, according to the latest serious crime statistics published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Sunday.

During last week's General Election from August 31 to September 6, there were 10 homicides.

Only one person was reportedly killed on Election Day, September 3, outside of voting hours. He is 28-year-old Gerronoe Walsh, an unemployed resident of Trinity District, Porus, Manchester. Walsh was shot and killed by an unknown assailant about 9:43 p.m.

The Mandeville police are investigating.

As of September 6, the murder toll stood at 469, representing a 42 per cent year-on-year reduction. At this point last year, 809 people had been killed, which is 340 more than this year.

The week leading into the elections, from August 24 to 30, saw 23 people killed. In 2024, Jamaica averaged 23 murders per week. Prior to that spike, the country had been recording consistent single-digit homicide weeks.

The top five police divisions with the most murders so far this year are St Andrew South with 56, St Ann and St Catherine South with 42 each, St James with 41, and St Catherine North with 27.

Shootings, injured persons, and rape have all declined year-on-year. However, robberies and break-ins continue to rise, up 13 and 27 per cent respectively.

- Andre Williams

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