Holness Says Criminals Will Have “No Place to Hide” as Jamaica Expands International Security Partnerships
Andrew Holness Crime Reduction Strategy Shows Results Through Global Partnerships
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica has significantly strengthened its international security partnerships to combat increasingly transnational criminal networks, declaring that criminals will have “no place to hide” as cooperation between law enforcement agencies continues to expand.
Speaking during the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, Holness outlined the Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce crime, dismantle organized criminal networks, and improve public safety as part of Jamaica’s broader national development agenda.
“The criminals have representatives in the diaspora as well. As they become more transnational, the Government of Jamaica has increased its transnational cooperation with other countries and security forces to make sure that criminals have no place to hide,” Holness said.
International Cooperation Delivering Results
The Prime Minister highlighted increased collaboration with the United States and other international partners in tackling organized crime, including operations targeting lottery scamming networks and the illegal trafficking of firearms into Jamaica.
According to Holness, criminal organizations increasingly operate across borders, making international intelligence-sharing and law enforcement cooperation essential to effective crime-fighting strategies.
The Government has worked to strengthen relationships with foreign security agencies while enhancing domestic intelligence and enforcement capabilities.
Homicides Continue to Decline
Holness said Jamaica’s security strategy is producing measurable results, citing a significant decline in homicides over recent years.
According to figures shared during his address, homicides have fallen by approximately 67 per cent over the past four years, including a further 22.5 per cent reduction as of May 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
“These are not just numbers. These are lives saved. Communities where people are beginning to breathe a little easier. Businesses that can now open later. Young men who are alive today because violence did not take their lives,” Holness said.
The Prime Minister credited the progress to reforms within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), increased investment in national security, and expanded intelligence-led policing initiatives.
Security and Economic Growth
Holness argued that improved public safety is not solely a law enforcement issue but also a key economic development objective.
“The key to the JCF and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is to create a space where communities can flourish and where businesses can grow and flourish as well.”
He noted that crime has historically been one of the primary concerns raised by Jamaicans living abroad who wish to return home, invest, or retire in Jamaica.
“As members of the diaspora, one of the first things you point out to me is, ‘Prime Minister, I would love to come back, but the crime.’ As you can see, we’re getting that under control.”
The Prime Minister said reducing crime remains essential to attracting investment, encouraging diaspora engagement, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
Commitment to a Safer Jamaica
Holness reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to driving crime rates even lower while building a safer and more prosperous society.
He said ongoing cooperation between local and international law enforcement agencies will remain a critical part of Jamaica’s security framework as criminal organizations continue to evolve and operate beyond national borders.
The remarks formed part of a broader presentation to diaspora delegates highlighting the country’s progress in security, economic management, and post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.
Source: Remarks by Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
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Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora.
Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.
