Members of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) lift their hands in praise during the party's 63rd anniversary thanksgiving service at the Power of Faith Ministries in Portmore, St. Catherine, yesterday. From left are Pearnel Charles, Member of Parliament for North-Central Clarendon; Senator Anthony Johnson, spokesman on Agriculture; and Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston. In the background is Delroy Chuck, spokesman on Justice. - NORMAN GRINDLEY /DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
DERRICK SMITH, Opposition Spokesman on Security, has cautiously welcomed the continuing downward trend in the murder rate this year.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force last week reported 675 murders during the period January 1 to July 6, a fall of 211 murders from 886 in the corresponding period last year.
"This is extremely positive," said Mr. Smith, "But we need to bear in mind we are still deep in the woods and we are murdering almost four persons a day."
He also pointed to times when the rate had fallen only to rise again. "We've seen this before, and I don't think we should gloat but it is a very interesting development but I'm not yet in a position to call crime over."
He pointed to continued reports of police misconduct and deficiencies in JCF accommodation, forensics and communication, which he said would need to be addressed to sustain the fall in crime.
Islandwide major crimes (murder, shooting, rape, carnal abuse, robbery, breaking and larceny) fell during the period January 1 to July 6 to 3743, down from 4392 in the corresponding period last year.
One particular concern remains the rise in carnal abuse from 173 to 238 (although rape fell from 395 to 346), observed Mr. Smith.
Major crimes January 1 to July 6
| CRIMES | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 |
| Murder | 675 | 886 | 708 |
| Shooting | 638 | 871 | 780 |
| Rape | 346 | 395 | 544 |
| Carnal abuse | 238 | 173 | 232 |
| Robbery | 1,107 | 1,082 | 1,205 |
| Breaking | 678 | 894 | 1,102 |
| Larceny | 61 | 91 | 131 |
| TOTAL | 3,743 | 4,392 | 4,702 |
