Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon has welcomed the 34% reduction in murders in St. James this year, while expressing hope that the parish will see fewer than 100 murders in 2025.

Up to December 14, 123 people were killed in the parish. That’s 62 fewer than the number of murders recorded last year.

Speaking at the St. James Municipal Corporation’s Christmas tree lighting last evening, Mayor Vernon said the significant decline is welcomed.

He urged stakeholders to continue working with the police to make the city safe.