In the first half of 2023, Jamaica reported an 11.8% reduction in homicides compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF).
The number of such crimes decreased to 786, down from 891 the previous year.
However, not all regions experienced a decline.
The Saint James district saw a slight decrease, from 129 to 119 murders, while the Saint Anns and Clarendon regions saw an increase from 35 to 49 and 52 to 61, respectively.
The Kingston Western district also recorded a rise in crime, from 43 to 50, while the Kingston Eastern region reported no change with 29 cases.
The JCF also noted a 9% reduction in shootings, with 618 incidents reported, compared to 679 in 2022.
Additionally, rape cases significantly decreased, with 223 cases reported in the first half of 2023, down from 297 in the corresponding period 2022.
Jamaica, one of the countries with the highest homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, recently declared states of emergency in several districts to counteract gang activity and criminal acts.
In May, the U.S. advised its citizens to reconsider travel plans to the island due to the crime and imposed travel restrictions for its government personnel due to increased risk.