MOST OF the murders committed in Jamaica last year were what the police have described as gang-related incidents.

"Reprisals and revenge were the main motives," says Assistant Commissioner Les Green. "If we are slow in reacting, then these killings will continue. We have to apprehend the suspects. This is something that has worked."

According to police statistics, of the 1,611 murders, 718 were categorised as gang-related. No motive has yet been established for 145 of the killings. Domestic disputes resulted in the murder of 60 persons.

1,249 fatally shot

Figures released by the police indicate that the gun was the most-used murder weapon, with 1,249 persons fatally shot. Police records also show that the victims included 160 females, 94 children and 12 members of the police force.

There were 98 cases of double-murder, seven triple-murders and four cases where four or more persons were killed in one incident last year.

Fridays and Saturdays were when most of these killings took place last year, said Green.

Murder capital

St Andrew South, a division which has 33 depressed communities, has been dubbed the murder capital of Jamaica. At least 223 persons were murdered in the division.

"Most of the murders which occurred in the St Andrew South division last year were gang-related. We have at least 39 active gangs operating in the division," says Deputy Superintendent Michael Phipps.

The St Andrew South police division includes troubled communities such as Waterhouse, Drewsland, Seaview Gardens, Riverton City and Olympic Gardens.

- Glenroy Sinclair