116 people killed in Jamaica up to February 1

Despite St Thomas and Portland recording no murders so far this year, 116 persons were killed across the island up to Saturday, February 1.

This represents an increase of nine, when compared with the 107 persons killed in Jamaica between January 1 and February 1, last year.

For January, this year alone, 110 persons were murdered.

Sadly, nine women and three children are among the 116 victims.

Meanwhile, the St Andrew Central, St Andrew South and St Catherine South police divisions recorded the highest number of murders. There were 12 murders in each division. 

Both St Andrew South and St Catherine South are areas under the States of Emergencies, which are now being branded as crime tools. Additionally, the government has claimed that these measures are performing effectively. 

In the meantime, Kingston Eastern and Clarendon, areas also under States of Emergencies, had 11 killings each. 

Other areas of crime, including rape, shootings and robberies, have, however, recorded declines.