Gareth Manning, Gleaner Writer

PATTERSON

Former Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson has welcomed recent reports that murders declined in January.

Figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) showed that there were 12 fewer murders in January compared to last year during the same period.

"I hope that this trend will not only continue but will accelerate in the months ahead," the former prime minister told Scotiabank's long service awardees at the Hilton hotel in St Andrew.

A problem for all

He said Jamaicans should recognise that crime is not a struggle for the security forces alone to face but Jamaicans, collectively, should give their support to the fight against the monster.

"Crime is an albatross that stalks the whole nation and we must all support the security forces," he urged.

Last month, 137 Jamaicans had their lives snuffed out.

The Corporate Area and St Catherine continued to lead the statistics, accounting for 82 of the total murders.

St James and Clarendon accounted for the most murders in rural parishes with a combined total of 21 deaths.