AT a time when Jamaica is experiencing a 35 per cent reduction in murders, the island’s national security capacity on Thursday received a big boost with a Japanese donation of three patrol boats.

Security Minister Dr Horace Chang, in an address at the handing-over ceremony at the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard Headquarters in Port Royal, Kingston, said it was his pleasure to represent the Government at such an important ceremony, knowing the struggles the island has had with an inflow of illegal guns as well as being a trans-shipment point for narcotics. He also said the boats will assist with the protection of Jamaica’s blue economy from poachers.

“I am confident that it will contribute to the continued reduction in criminal activity. Once we can intercept criminals at sea, it will take some of the criminal assets offshore. It is the strengthening of our security apparatus to ensure we can continue to reduce the homicide rate and criminal violence across our country. We have had some successes and I commend the security forces — Jamaica Defence Force and police force — for the efforts and time they have put in and for the use they have made of the assets they have been provided with. We appreciate the contribution of the Japanese Government to strengthen our security teams. We will continue the work to ensure that we have a safe country,” Chang said.

Between January 1 and April 5, Jamaica has recorded 191 murders, which is a 35.9 per cent reduction when compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

“We have, coming through Jamaica, all manner of contraband which we don’t desire to have. That has contributed significantly to the violence in our territory. We don’t manufacture guns. They come in from all angles, from the north, south and from the west. They find their way to Jamaica and we have to take steps to protect our borders and protect our population. The maritime economy is also of growing importance to Jamaica and we have to ensure that we can protect it,” Chang added.

He pointed out that Jamaica has a very strategic location and from the days of the pirates and some people have discovered that this is a good place in the Caribbean to launch from and to tranship from. The minister said that each addition and expansion to the capacity of the security forces is welcomed.

“Criminals are quite smart. They know how to move and move fast and smartly. Therefore, we need all levels of support. Our ocean-going vessels are critical in supporting maritime patrols, coastal radars and working collaboratively with the police force. The synergy at that level is critical to intercepting criminals once they get close to our coastline. There is value in this additional asset to the Jamaica Defence Force. There are criminals who have fast boats and the new boats are geared for this kind of activity,” Chang said.

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Yasuhiro Atsumi said the Government and people of Japan were pleased to be able to help Jamaica strengthen its maritime capabilities through the Japanese Economic and Social Development Programme.

“Each patrol boat can go 200 to 400 nautical range of Jamaica’s territorial waters. Both our island nations are surrounded by vast seas and ocean waters and likewise, it is our shared responsibility to safeguard the oceans because these waters provide us with a wealth of resources and opportunities,” the ambassador said, acknowledging that there are significant challenges in the field of maritime security.

Chief of Defence Staff Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman said that with the donation of the vessels, the JDF Coast Guard will be more equipped to conduct maritime interdiction, fisheries protection and search-and-rescue operations.

“In expanding our maritime domain awareness, we will achieve strategic goals to secure Jamaica’s borders. The continued trafficking of illegal guns, drugs and ammunition are in the majority of instances conveyed by sea. If we are to achieve the much needed reduction in violent crimes, we have to exercise dominance over our maritime space. The challenges we face in the maritime domain are widespread across the Caribbean and will require increased cooperation and collaboration with our neighbours and international partners. We again thank the Government of Japan for its contribution to securing Jamaica’s maritime domain and its blue economy.”