Grim record
Grim record . Over the past five years, Jamaica has consistently ranked as the second most murderous Caribbean nation, surpassed only by Haiti – a nation rocked by extreme violence, including beheadings, chopping and burning of bodies, since the murder of its...
The Gleaner
Over the past five years, Jamaica has consistently ranked as the second most murderous Caribbean nation, surpassed only by Haiti – a nation rocked by extreme violence, including beheadings, chopping and burning of bodies, since the murder of its president in 2021.

The most recent data, published on November 18, 2024, published via Statista.com highlight Jamaica’s ongoing challenges with violent crime, consistently recording more than 1,000 murders for the five-year period.

Murder statistics to date published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) show that Jamaica recorded 1,060 murders in the first 11 months of 2024.

As at November 30, there were 228 fewer murders – a reduction of 17.7 per cent – compared to the corresponding period last year.

In 2023, Jamaica recorded 1,393 murders, ranking second only to Haiti’s 4,789 among Caribbean nations. Other notable figures for 2023 include the much larger Dominican Republic with 1,237 murders, Trinidad and Tobago with 577, The Bahamas with 110, and Puerto Rico with 464. Data for Barbados in 2023 was unavailable.

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Over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, Jamaica documented 7,027 murders, again second only to Haiti’s 10,610. The Dominican Republic recorded 5,785 murders in the same period, while Trinidad and Tobago had 2,553, The Bahamas 500, and Puerto Rico 2,857. Barbados recorded 162 murders between 2019 and 2022.

According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), 619 women and 6,445 men were murdered in Jamaica over the five years under review. STATIN’s total of 7,069 murders differs slightly from Statista’s figure of 7,027 – a discrepancy that may stem from differences in data collection or reclassification of cases after murder investigations. STATIN’s data is compiled from the JCF numbers.

The high level of crime in Jamaica has influenced its travel advisory status. The US State Department has placed Jamaica at Level 3 (‘Reconsider Travel’) due to crime, with the most recent update issued on July 25, 2024. The advisory also alerted visitors to concerns about the island’s medical services.

“Violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common,” read an excerpt from the advisory.

It also mentions that cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict.

In comparison, Haiti, with its significantly higher murder rate, is listed at Level 4 (‘Do Not Travel’), as of September 18, 2024. Trinidad and Tobago shares Jamaica’s Level 3 designation, while the Dominican Republic and The Bahamas are at Level 2 (‘Exercise Increased Caution’). Barbados, with the lowest advisory level, is at Level 1 (‘Exercise Normal Precautions’).

Puerto Rico, as a US territory, is not included in the advisory system.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com
Jamaica
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2024-12-03
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Over the past five years, Jamaica has consistently ranked as the second most murderous Caribbean nation, surpassed only by Haiti – a nation rocked by extreme violence, including beheadings, chopping and burning of bodies, since the murder of its...
Grim record