Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica report significant declines in homicide rates

Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have reported significant decreases in homicide rates compared to previous years.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro announced a 44.2% reduction in homicides. As of September 30, 2026, the country recorded 265 homicides, down from 475 during the same period in 2024. While Guevarro noted that crime levels are now comparable to 2007, he cautioned against complacency, stating that every loss of life remains a tragedy.

Jamaica has also seen a downward trend, with Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Horace Chang reporting a 24% reduction in murders compared to the same period in 2025. As of October 6, 2026, Jamaica recorded 407 homicides, down from 534 in the previous year. Chang highlighted that the third quarter of 2026 saw the lowest quarterly murder totals in over three decades, noting that September recorded its lowest monthly total in more than 30 years.

In Jamaica's Trelawny parish, Superintendent Velonique Campbell reported seven murders so far this year, a slight decrease from nine in the previous year. Campbell emphasized that interpersonal conflicts, such as land disputes and domestic issues, continue to drive violence and urged residents to seek peaceful resolutions to prevent escalation.