Bunting Challenges Gov’t to Address Root Causes of Crime and Violence

Opposition spokesman on national security, Senator Peter Bunting, has challenged the Holness administration to address the root causes of crime and violence in order to solidify the gains made in 2024.

He was reacting to the near 19 per cent reduction in murders when compared to 2023.

Mahiri Stewart reports.

Senator Peter Bunting made the assertions in an article published by the Gleaner on Sunday entitled, ‘Restoring order, building peace’.

According to the former Minister of National Security, while the reduction in murders is significant, Jamaicans must not forget the first eight consecutive years of missed opportunities in crime reduction under the current leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party, JLP.

The opposition senator further criticised the JLP for failing to maintain or reduce the murder tally after it took office in 2016.

He further asserted that the near 19 per cent reduction in murders is a testament of targeted policing strategies and not the ineffective states of emergency.

But, despite the reduction, Senator Bunting says more needs to be done. He says the country’s homicide rate remains alarmingly high, especially given the increase in mass shootings.

He also noted that financial crimes remain untracked by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF, in their weekly crime statistics.

Senator Bunting says concerns persist about the accuracy of these crime statistics.

He says reports from internal JCF sources suggest that over 100 deaths are currently being classified as undetermined. He says these deaths, which are said to be pending forensic examination, raise doubts about the reliability of the published data.

Furthermore, Mr. Bunting says the country must adopt a comprehensive, holistic approach to crime reduction in a bid to solidify the gains of 2024.

He says this includes the adoption of a public health approach to violence prevention, such as Project STAR.

He noted that approaches like these address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, poor socialisation, unemployment, and inadequate education.

Senator Bunting also noted the importance of investing in individuals at risk and promoting peace management programmes to address the root causes of violent behaviours.