Crime in Jamaica

Some areas of Jamaica, particularly cities such as Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town, experience high levels of crime and violence.^[1] Jamaica has had one of the highest murder rates in the world for many years, according to UN estimates.^[2] Former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson described the situation as "a national challenge of unprecedented proportions".^[3]

Murder rate

In 2005, Jamaica had 1,674 murders for a murder rate of 58 per 100,000 people.^[4] That year, Jamaica had the highest murder rate in the world.^[2] In November 2008, the Jamaican Parliament voted to retain the death penalty, which is performed by hanging.^[5]

There were 1,682 reported murders in 2009 and 1,428 in 2010. Since 2011 the murder rate has continued to fall following the downward trend started in 2010, with increases in police patrols, curfews and more effective anti-gang activities.^[6]

Violence against homosexuals

The U.S. Department of State reported that brutality against homosexuals, mainly by private citizens, was widespread in 2008.^[7] Homosexuality is illegal in Jamaica, incurring a prison sentence.^[8] Many Jamaicans are hostile toward LGBT and intersex people,^[1] and several mob attacks against gay people have been reported.^[9][10][11]

Some critics claim that attacks on gay people are encouraged in some popular Jamaican dancehall/reggae songs that are sometimes referred to as murder music.^[12] The country has been called "the most homophobic place on earth" by human-rights groups.^[13]

See also

• Jamaican posse
• Yardies

References