Holness Urges Jamaicans to Reject Violence Amid Historic Drop in Murders

Portmore, St. Catherine – January 8, 2026: Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has called on Jamaicans involved in criminal activity to turn away from violence, emphasizing that the nation’s battle against crime is far from over, despite a record decline in murders last year.

Speaking at the annual ‘Heal the Family, Heal the Nation’ National Day of Prayer service at Power of Faith Ministries, Holness directly appealed to criminals and gunmen to “save yourselves” by abandoning crime.

“Turn away from violence. Put away the gun. In fact, turn it in. Save yourselves,” Holness said, addressing both politicians and church members.

The prime minister acknowledged the historic milestone of fewer than 700 murders recorded in 2025, a figure not seen in Jamaica for over three decades. While he described the achievement as a turning point, he warned that sustained effort would be required to maintain the gains.

Holness highlighted the progressive decline in violent crime over the past three years: a 7% reduction in 2023, 19% in 2024, and a 42% drop in 2025. He noted that the country is approaching the regional average of 15 murders per 100,000 population, currently estimated between 20 and 25 per 100,000.

“We can get there if everyone owns it, keeps praying for it, but more than that, keeps working for it,” Holness said.

While gang-related violence accounted for more than 70% of murders, the prime minister warned that other forms of violence remain entrenched, including domestic disputes and juvenile delinquency. He urged the church to play a more active role, not only through prayer but also through counselling, guidance, and diversion programs.

“There are many youngsters in communities who could very well be in the church choir as they could be in a gang. It is only because the gang reached out to them and not the church choir that they are in the gang,” Holness explained, calling for an “army of the church” to help redirect youth away from criminal activity.

Holness also outlined government initiatives aimed at addressing both organized crime and societal issues that contribute to violence. He emphasized the importance of family-centered policies and parental involvement in education, stating that values cultivated at home directly influence the character of young people.

“Ninety-five per cent of those who are doing the killings and those who are killed are young men. It pains my heart to see our young men being killed. So I pray for them to stop killing and I pray for them to save themselves,” the prime minister said.

The service also included prayers for parishes affected by Hurricane Melissa, for continued reductions in crime, and for peace, unity, and blessings across Jamaica.