There were fourteen more cases of murder up to Saturday when compared with the same period last year.

This translates to a 1.2 % increase over last year’s figure.

The latest statistics released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, show that 1,187 persons were reportedly killed compared with 1,173 in 2018.

Of the 19 police divisions, 10 recorded an increase in reported murders

Kingston West was the only corporate area division to see a dip in murder figures moving from 69 to 53.

The Kingston Central Police division recorded a 133 % increase, moving from 15 to 35; St. James saw 44 more murders when compared to the same period last year.

Westmoreland and Hanover have seen reductions in their murder figures by 39 and 42 % respectively, while Clarendon has seen 17 fewer murders.