Mayor vows MoBay to be Caribbean’s safest city in 2025
Published:Wednesday | December 18, 2024 | 12:07 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
While St James currently holds the dubious title as Jamaica’s murder capital, with over 100 homicides this year, the mayor of the capital city Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is promising that come 2025, the tourism hub will be the safest city in the entire Caribbean.
Speaking at Sunday’s St James Municipal Corporation’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Sam Sharpe Square, in Montego Bay, Vernon said that despite the current statistics, indications are that things are poised to get significantly better as it relates to crime.
“I often hear arguments that St James is the most murderous parish, but I beg to differ. St James as a police division has recorded the highest number of murders this year, but nonetheless we can all be grateful that the murders are down by 34 per cent. This significant decline is welcome, as we dare to dream and commit to act in pursuit of getting murders for 2025 sub-100,” said Vernon during the ceremony to unveil the 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, which was erected and decorated at a cost of J$6.6 million.
“We will continue to work toward making Montego Bay the safest city in the Caribbean, and I urge each and every one of you to play your part in this collective effort. Your involvement and vigilance are crucial in achieving our safety goals,” added Vernon.
Up to December 7 this year, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s statistics showed St James as having recorded 120 murders, 56 less than the 176 murders recorded over the corresponding period last year. Despite the reduction in murders, St James still leads all parishes in murders, with the St Andrew South Police Division 115 and the Westmoreland Police Division 96 holding the second and third slots, respectively.
Between January 1 and December 7 this year, Jamaica recorded 1,085 murders, which is 234 less than the 1,319 murders recorded over the similar period in 2023.
Vernon further noted that, despite the various challenges St James has faced this year, including being impacted by Hurricane Beryl, the parish has much to be thankful for.
“While we have had many more eventful years, 2024 came with its unique offerings, from earthquakes and tremors, a storm surge like never before, to Hurricane Beryl, elections and new leaders. But God has seen us through,” said Vernon. “I look forward to a productive 2025 as we strive toward making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise our families, and do business.”
St James Custos Bishop Conrad Pitkin, who also spoke at the event, urged attendees to make the Christmas season one of generosity and kindness.
“Let us this evening, and through the Christmas season and the coming year, resolve to reach out to others and to try to make their Christmas a little bit easier and a little bit happier. There is a saying that kindness is the most valuable gift you will ever give to anyone. My wish is that we all give and receive this precious and priceless gift in abundance,” said Pitkin.