PM Holness calls on church to play greater role in helping to reduce social violence in society

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is calling on the church to play a greater role in helping to reduce social violence in society.

He said while much of Jamaica’s violence stems from organized criminal activity, there is also a significant element of social violence that must be addressed.

At the end of 2025, Jamaica recorded 673 murders, marking it the first time the figure has fallen below 700 since 1994.

Dr. Holness stated that the church can assist in lowering violence across the country through counselling, guidance and diversion programmes, which are critical to achieving lasting peace.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Government cannot rely solely on law enforcement to achieve national peace.

He was speaking at the 20th staging of the heal the family, heal the nation day of prayer service, yesterday.