St Elizabeth records fewest murders in 25 years

The St Elizabeth police have reported that the parish has recorded its lowest murder count in 25 years.

"We're at 12 murders compared to 27 last year this time, which is a reduction of 56 per cent," according to Divisional Commander, Superintendent Coleridge Minto. He was addressing the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation's monthly meeting in Black River recently. Minto noted that the division has also achieved a 67 per cent clear-up rate for murder cases. He also highlighted that approximately seven of the 12 homicides recorded in 2025 - representing 59 per cent - stemmed from interpersonal conflicts. Minto further noted that the last three homicides were all the result of personal disputes.

"So I use this opportunity, once again, to speak to [residents of] the parish to utilise the services of the Domestic Violence Intervention Centre and the Restorative Justice centres that are both in Santa Cruz. Also, utilise the services of counsellors, justices of the peace and other professionals who can help you to resolve your conflicts," Minto urged.

Between January 1 and October 4, the division recorded 175 Category One (major) crimes, reflecting a 14 per cent reduction compared to the same period in 2024 or 28 fewer incidents overall. Shootings have decreased by 28 per cent, falling from 18 incidents in 2024 to 13 in 2025. Larceny cases reflect a 50 per cent reduction, while robbery has seen the most dramatic decline - down 63 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year.

"Rape is down by six per cent, although we are still seeing too many cases. We also have a number of cases where the offence [involves] sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16," Minto explained. However, he noted that the clear-up rate is high.

While noting that most major crimes have declined, break-ins have increased by 24 per cent, with bars the most frequent targets. Santa Cruz, Junction, and the parish capital, Black River, have emerged as the top three locations for break-ins, recording 17, 16, and 14 incidents, respectively.

"So, we're not celebrating. There's a lot of work to do," Minto underscored.