Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Horace Chang has welcomed the reduction in violent crime, labeling it a “turning of the tide toward sustainable crime reduction”.

In a media release to mark the start of the new year Dr. Chang said as at the end of 2025, the country recorded 673 murders.

He said this is the first time the figure has fallen below 700 since 1994.

He said as the new year gets underway the island should be reminded that this is not the end of the journey.

Dr. Chang emphasized that sustaining these gains will require continued vigilance, investment and collective responsibility.