Prime Minister Andrew Holness outlined that Jamaica’s significant progress in reducing crime is the result of strong national leadership, sound policy, and deliberate investment, driven by the government’s resolve to act decisively rather than wait for external intervention.

As of May 4, 2025, murders have declined by 38.2 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year, marking one of the most substantial reductions in violent crime in Jamaica’s recent history.

The prime minister said this historic drop is a direct reflection of the political will of his administration, the commitment of the nation’s security forces, the support of international partners, and the cooperation and trust of the Jamaican people.

“Jamaica has taken responsibility for its own security,” said Holness. “We did not wait on overseas partners to rescue us or to provide the tools. Instead, we made the decision to use our own resources and secure our country with our own hands.”

The prime minister emphasised that Jamaica’s ability to make historic investments in security was made possible by the government’s disciplined economic stewardship. He addressed the scepticism of those who question whether economic growth has tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, arguing that national security is one of the clearest examples.

“And so we took our own resources, the dividends of our good economic management. So, for those people who talk about not seeing how the economy is working for them, the economy can keep you secure. Because no other government was able to do what we did in terms of the expenditure that we have made on the security forces,” said Holness.

He pointed to key investments, including the acquisition of offshore patrol vessels, as examples of how economic growth has translated into greater national protection. “When we took over, we did not have one operating offshore patrol vessel. Today we have several,” he said. “The average person would not understand the benefit of having that. But if we did not have that, the influx of persons who would come in from other areas where there are challenges would be huge.

“And so under Plan Secure Jamaica, we put the money to back that. We were not waiting for our overseas partners to say, Here is something, or We will help you with that. No, when it comes to security, you must take your own money and secure yourself.”

He pointed to the government’s national security strategy, Plan Secure Jamaica, introduced in 2018, as a clear roadmap for building a modern and capable public safety infrastructure. The plan focused on strengthening institutions, expanding surveillance, improving intelligence, increasing accountability, and passing critical legislation to support the government’s approach to crime fighting.

“In 2018, this administration outlined a clear and comprehensive national security strategy. It focused on building strong institutions, strengthening our borders, modernising policing, and enhancing our ability to detect, deter, and dismantle criminal networks,” he said.

This latest development reflects the broader national strategy to reclaim public spaces, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance public safety across the island. Holness noted that it is part of a multi-layered plan to ensure sustained crime reduction and long-term security reform.

He further stated that the country’s progress is the outcome of sustained and coordinated action, grounded in a clearly defined plan and the discipline to follow through.

“Our success in building national crime-fighting capacity is a direct result of good governance and strong economic management,” he said. “No other government was able to make the level of investment we have made, and we did so by prioritising the safety and dignity of our people.”

Responding to critics, the prime minister noted that many voices now weighing in on security were not present during the difficult phases of planning and reform. “It is not lost on me that many of those now offering commentary were silent or absent when the difficult work had to be done,” he noted. “We stayed the course, remained focused, and today we are seeing the results.”

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continuing on the path of reform, institution building, and long-term crime reduction. “This government is serious about protecting our citizens, securing our communities, and ensuring that Jamaica becomes the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. We are not waiting; we are acting; we are investing, and we are delivering,” Holness added.