By Jouvaughnie Byfield

The Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) failure to present a clear and actionable crime policy at its annual conference is an inexcusable abdication of responsibility. Jamaicans have waited too long for effective leadership on this issue, especially after the 2016 promise that citizens would be able to “sleep with their windows and doors open”. It is time for the JLP to deliver real solutions and stop deflecting blame onto the opposition for its shortcomings.

While statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) suggest a reduction in crime, the lived reality tells a different story. Just last week, 44 murders were recorded across the country—an alarming figure that underscores a disconnect between reported data and the everyday experiences of Jamaicans. This surge in violence makes it clear that immediate, effective measures are needed to address the ongoing crisis. And as I complete this article tonight (Monday, November 25), there is news of a quintuple murder just occurring on Waltham Park Rd [in St Andrew].

Crime and violence remain among Jamaica’s most pressing issues, and the public had every reason to expect the JLP to use this platform to articulate a comprehensive policy to combat these challenges. Instead, their silence has raised serious concerns about their commitment to ensuring public safety. 

The truth is that crime poses the single greatest threat to Jamaica’s economic growth and development. Without meaningful action, the high levels of criminality will continue to stifle progress and erode confidence in the country’s future. The absence of a crime plan at the JLP conference is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a failure to prioritize the urgent needs of the Jamaican people. 

Citizens deserve a government that puts their safety and well-being first. The JLP’s inability to deliver a concrete crime strategy highlights the gap between its rhetoric and the decisive action required to bring about meaningful change. Jamaica’s crime rates remain unacceptably high, and the demand for a clear, actionable crime strategy has never been greater.

Addressing this crisis requires more than promises; it calls for a strategic approach involving prevention, community engagement, and stronger law enforcement. The JLP’s annual conference could have been a defining moment to demonstrate their leadership in tackling crime. Instead, their lack of a detailed plan has left many questioning their capacity to guide Jamaica toward a safer future. Meanwhile, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has consistently advocated for practical solutions, including the reintroduction of the Peace Management Initiative (PMI), comprehensive justice system reforms, and the passage of an impeachment bill to reduce corruption in government.

The time for rhetoric is over. Jamaicans need decisive action and a robust, well-defined crime plan to create real and lasting change. Without this, the promises of safer communities will remain just that—empty promises.

Councillor Jouvaughnie Byfield is the junior opposition spokesman for Citizen Security and Productivity