Jamaica has seen a 13. 35 per cent reduction in murders between the period of January 1 to June 16, 2023, compared to last year.

According to a recent serious crimes report published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the island recorded 597 murders up to the period of June 16. This is 92 fewer murders compared to last year in which the country recorded 689 murders for the period.

According to the statistics, the parish of St. James recorded the highest number of murders for the period with 91. This is followed by Clarendon with 52, Westmoreland with 51, St Andrew South with 50 and St Catherine North with 46.

The St Catherine South police division recorded 45 murders, Kingston Western 38, St Ann 36, Hanover 31, Kingston Eastern 27, Manchester and St Andrew North 23 each, Kingston Central 15, St Mary 13, St Thomas 12.

The parishes of St Elizabeth, Trelawny and Portland recorded the least number of murders with 9, 8 and 7 respectively.

The report also revealed that there was a reduction in shooting, rape, robbery and burglary for the month.