90 percent of Jamaicans Feel Safe At Home

January 28, 2021 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

Victimization Survey Paints Bright Picture On Crime In Jamaica.

It was a bloody last weekend which was extended to Monday 18th January 2021. The Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson said inter alia:

 “It was just a spike caused by intra gang violence. Since January, I,  2021,  seventy murders have occured, 49 were gang related.  Seven suspects were arrested. Gang members settling scores among themselves. Commonly referred as reprisal killings. Domestic violence accounted for some of the others. Family members plotting to settle disputes. For example three were killed in one family as they plotted among themselves over the same period. The period covered by the survey 2018/19.

Guns Seized At Wharf

Major General Antony Anderson reported in said interview that 5 high-powered submachine guns along with a cashe of 147 pieces of ammunition were discovered at the Wharf at Freeport, Montego Bay.  The second such find in about a seven day period at the same location.”

Despite public perception of a high crime rate in Jamaica, actual data rubbishes that view.  The Statistical Institute did a survey called a “Victimization Survey” which has painted a bright picture on public safety. The PM is on record recently praising the security forces for a job well done.  In 2020 there was a 1.5 drop in homicides when compared to the corresponding period in 2019.  All major crimes are down.

1.9 Million Persons

When this 90 percent is converted to raw figures,  this feeling of safety as quoted from the survey represents 1.9 million Jamaicans.  Three million Jamaicans is a regularly quoted figure as our domestic population.

Machete

A machete seems to be the most popular source for protection at home.  The gun is the least favoured piece of protection device.  Some persons have reported that costs vary and it may not be very exorbitant to protect one self.

Experts in the security industry and academics agree with the survey findings. Dr. Herbert Gayle said:

“I am not surprised at the findings”

Dr. Hurbert Gayle responded to the survey on the latest Victimization Survey.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who has an interest in personal security.