Police commissioner for JN forum in Toronto, NY in July

Jamaicans in New York, United States, and Toronto, Canada, will be briefed on the status of crime in Jamaica by Jamaican Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson.

Anderson will be the main speaker for the Jamaica National Group's Outlook for the Future forum, scheduled to be held at the Omni King Edward Hotel, 37 King Street East, Toronto, on July 17, and then Brooklyn Marriott, Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York, on July 19. The forum will be held under the theme: 'Arresting Crime and Violence: A National Priority for Jamaica'.

His address comes as violence in Jamaica remains one of the prime concerns among Jamaicans locally; and also in the diaspora, many of whom have investments, or want to invest in the country.

Strategic approach to reducing crime

"As the series has historically achieved, Outlook for the Future provides a context in which Jamaicans in the diaspora can receive information about trends and opportunities in Jamaica; and discuss, in a frank manner, issues that prohibit investment or hinder the diaspora's involvement in the development of Jamaica, as well as to clarify other matters," explained Earl Jarrett, chief executive officer of the Jamaica National Group.

"During the past three years, the country has been operating in a context in which violent crimes, particularly murders, have increased dramatically and is becoming a hindrance to the economic improvements being made. And, now that they appear to be trending down, albeit marginally, we want to talk about how we will sustain those gains, to facilitate growth."

According to Major General Anderson, "There is a strategic approach to reducing crime, with a view to eliminating the elements that largely contribute to murders - guns and gangs. We have been seeing steady reductions in murders and other violent crimes when compared to last year, and the figures have started to trend in the right direction."

Police statistics show that murders in Jamaica from January 1 to June 9 have decreased steadily by 7.7 per cent, when compared to last year, with 610 murders committed during the period in comparison to 661 in 2017. Shootings are also down by 3.8 per cent, and rapes and aggravated assaults have decreased significantly by 24.3 per cent and 30.5 per cent, respectively.