(CMR) Jamaica recorded 72 murders in the first 15 days of 2022, a 24 percent increase in murders compared to last year's corresponding period. Two Jamaicans who live and work in the Cayman Islands became a part of the statistics while visiting their home country on vacation.
The recent crime statistics have been a concern for many, especially those in the tourism industry, as countries such as the US has warned persons against traveling to the country due to crime and violence.
According to the Jamaica Observer, there was a 350 percent increase in the number of murders in Westmoreland, with nine murders committed since 2022, compared with two for the corresponding period last year.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) in a section of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, as murders rock the parish.
There was also a 300 percent increase in murders in the Kingston Central division with four murders since the start of the year, compared to one for the corresponding period last year.
There were increases of 100 percent and 80 percent in St Catherine South and St Catherine North divisions, respectively.
Jamaica recorded 1,463 murders in 2021.
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