Old Harbour ‘a safe space’ as murders fall 63%

In a report on the St Catherine South Police’s sub-division which encompasses the Old Harbour and Old Harbour Bay areas, DSP Harris points to data showing a significant decrease in murders this calendar year when compared with last year’s statistics.

Latest data is showing a 63 percent decrease in murders for the sub-division up to October 31, 2023. Twenty-one murders have been recorded so far at the end of the 10th month of the calendar year compared to 33 for the corresponding period. A further breakdown of this data sees 15 murders committed in Old Harbour while 27 people were murdered during the same period a year ago – a reduction of 55 percent. Despite its unenviable reputation Old Harbour Bay has logged only six homicides since the start of the year, which ironically is the same as last year.

“So with Old Harbour Bay breaking even and Old Harbour seeing over 50 percent reduction in murders, it is safe to say that the space is safe for persons to live and do business,” says Old Harbour’s top cop who has been the commander in charge of the sub-division since 2021.

The fall in murders is similar to national figures which have noted a drop in murders as well.

According to the experienced crime fighter, the decrease in murders is due to a combination of factors such the implementation of proactive strategies, and maintaining a consistent presence in the space across the zone.

This, added Detective Inspector Carl Morris, has led to the arrest and/or fatal shooting of “some influencers of crime” operating in the nation’s fastest growing town.

The arrest and subsequent charging of alleged Sparta Gang leader Asfa ‘Prince’ Carnegie, who remains in custody, and others, is viewed as a major victory. Carnegie, 30, is currently before the courts on charges of shooting with intent, illegal possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition.

Also the fatal police shooting of 26-year-old Daniel ‘Fry Eye’ Farquharson in late September will have a net positive effect on the crime situation going forward, the police argued. 

“We would have made significant arrests, some fatal, which would have taken out some influencers of crime,” said Inspector Morris, who heads the Old Harbour Police CIB.

Meantime, in the weeks ahead particularly the yuletide period coming up, DSP Harris says “more resources will be deployed in Old Harbour and Old Harbour Bay to ensure that the residents are safe”.

“Crime prevention, traffic management and public order will be the areas of focus,” he said. “There will be certain strategies and tactics but same will not be mentioned at this time but will be seen and felt over the period.”