Jamaica recorded 47 murders in February , the lowest on record since 2000.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says  the continual reduction in major crimes and murder is reflective of a more capable Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF.

He states that the administration  has invested unprecedented levels of funding into the JCF, an average of 9.7 billion dollars annually.

According to Mr. Holness, this is three times the amount spent by previous administrations. 

The Prime minister says the investment was  required to restore and upgrade basic infrastructure, transport and replace equipment that was left to deteriorate for decades.

As the force boosts its crime fighting initiatives, it has set a target of fewer than 1000 murders for 2025. 

2024 saw 1,141 murders, a 19 per cent reduction when compared to 2023.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness is urging the security forces to be responsible with  the use of force in encounters with the public and is warning criminals not to take on a highly trained constabulary.

Concerns have been raised about the number of fatal shootings since the start of the year. 

The Independent Commission of Investigations, INDECOM has reported 59 fatal shootings.