Murder among leading causes of death in Jamaica

Dr. Peter Phillips
(PNP Photo)

Friday, October 10, 2003

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Murder is the fifth leading cause of death in Jamaica after cancer and lifestyle-related illnesses such as heart and cerebro-vascular diseases like stroke and diabetes, the Jamaica Gleaner reported yesterday. 

Jamaica's murder rate of 44 per 100,000 puts it among nations with the highest such rates in the Americas. From 1st January to 5th October this year, 739 people were murdered, almost on par with the 744 slain up to 5th October last year; 1,045 per were murdered in 2002. 

Dr. Peter Phillips, the National Security Minister, at the start of a two-day International Conference on Violence Prevention being held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, lamented the rise in organised crime, interpersonal conflict and other violent acts, which, various presenters said, were costing lives and placing heavy psychological, social and financial burdens on countries like Jamaica. 

Dr. Phillips said countries could not ignore the link between violence, drug trafficking and other organised crime. 

The minister's statement came just hours prior to the killing of two teenage boys. Devon Scott, 17, and Darlon Clarke, 14, were killed outside a grocery store on Wednesday night in Falmouth, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of resort town Montego Bay, AP quoted police spokeswoman, Ms. Andrea Brown as saying. They were shot in the head and chest and died at the scene, Ms. Brown said.

No arrests have been made and police have not established a motive for the killings.

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