Majority Of Jamaicans Lack Confidence In Minister, Dr. Chang And Police Commissioner, General Anderson

A majority of Jamaicans are skeptical about the ability of the country’s Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, and the Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson in solving or containing the barbaric increase in crime on the island.

According to findings concluded in the RJRGLEANER Communications Group-commissioned Don Anderson poll, it indicated that a high percentage of Jamaicans over the age of 18 years lack confidence in the ability of the two persons responsible for the security portfolio in the country. This fieldwork was conducted between the period of July 16-26 amongst 1,113 Jamaicans.

A comparison of the findings in the poll is as follows:

1. 91% have little to no confidence in Major Anderson
2. 49% have no confidence in Dr. Chang, and 46% have no confidence in Major Anderson
3. 45% have little confidence in Major Anderson, and 44% have little confidence in Dr. Chang
4. 9% have full confidence in Major Anderson, and 7% have full confidence in Dr. Chang

This representation of confidence level amongst Jamaicans is a result of the increase in crime since the start of the year. However, Don Anderson noted that the poll highlighted how persons feel about the country’s inability to contain and deter crime and not on the competence of the security heads themselves.

Based on the major crime statistics from January 2022 to July 31, 2022, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reported that murders since the start of the year have surpassed that of the corresponding period by 4%.

On a statistical scale, the JCF further reported that for the increase in murders for the period, 1% occurred due to mob killings, 9% are still being investigated, 14% were because of interpersonal conflicts and 70% were a result of gang activity.

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