The policing division of Kingston Central has recorded a significant decline in murders when compared to the corresponding period of 2021.

Head of the Kingston Central Division Beresford Williams outlined that the policing division had recorded 30 murders since January where as the corresponding period of 2021 recorded a whopping 45 murders.

The decline in murders he notes is a result of the imposition of the Zones of Special Operations in Parade Gardens in January.

The 60-day security came as a strategic plan bolstered by the Government to restore peace in the division following a surge in gun violence.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang in his parliamentary contribution on January 18 outlined that the level of violence in this community of approximately 3,000 residents is having significant impact on the state of being of the residents, children in particular. As such drastic measures had to be inculcated.

“In the immediate district itself, they have lost 16 lives in 2021 at the hands of criminals. Parade Gardens is among the top-10 communities nationally, with the highest number of murders,” Dr. Chang said.

“This has raised the level of concern for the Government and the security forces, which saw it prudent to declare a Zone of Special Operations in the community,” he added.

Since then, several firearms were seized and suspects detained.