Gun law credited with decrease in murders, says Chuck

JUSTICE Minister Delroy Chuck signalled Sunday that while legislators are set to review the mandatory minimum sentences under the 2022 Firearms Act, a repeal is unlikely as security forces and other key stakeholders are crediting the law for the sharp decline in murders and shootings in recent times.

According to the Serious Crimes Report published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), up to July this year Jamaica recorded 275 murders, 23 per cent less than the 335 reported during the same period in 2025. It said overall, Category One crimes declined by 15 per cent, with 322 fewer major crimes reported than last year.

According to the JCF, the reduction in murders formed part of a broader decline in serious crimes, with shootings falling by 27 per cent, robberies by 25 per cent, while both rapes and break-ins declined by 10 per cent over the comparative period.