Slight uptick in murders a concern in Hanover

Western Bureau:

Despite the best efforts of the police and an overall decline in major crimes in the parish, Superintendent Andrew Nish, the police commander for Hanover, says there has been a slight uptick in murders over the corresponding period last year, which has prompted a new drive to blunt lawlessness.

Nish, who started the year with a resolve to have Hanover reclaim the title as the nation’s safest parish, said that while the serious crime portfolio, which includes murders, shootings, rape and break-ins, continues to be an area of concern.

“At this point in time, we have an increase over last year as it relates to murders and aggravated assault, but we are still experiencing a 16-per cent decline in major crimes,” said Nish. “It should be noted that to date, two of the six policing areas within the parish, namely Kingsvale and Sandy Bay, remains free of any case of murder or shooting.”

Nish, who made the disclosure while giving his monthly report at the April monthly meeting of the Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC), said that since the start of this year, there had been two incidents of murder in the Green Island policing area, two in Lucea, two in Hopewell, and one in Ramble.

Social intervention

According to Nish, investigations have revealed that most of the murders are because of unresolved conflicts and domestic issues.

Over recent months, Nish and his deputy, Deputy Superintendent Courtney Wilson, have been appealing to justices of the peace and religious leaders to increase their involvement in social intervention, which they believe would address the increase in domestic disputes, many of which turn violent.

“The traditional areas that we normally see a high occurrence of crime and violence, such as Logwood, Santoy and Orange Bay, have remained relatively calm, as we are trying our endeavour best to curtail domestic violence,” said Nish.

According to Nish, the Hanover police have embarked on several community intervention programmes to address domestic matters. These include widely publicised community meetings.

“As we continue our programmes, we are soliciting the support of all individuals to be ambassadors for their respective communities, to ensure intervention where disagreements may arise,” said Nish. “As simple as they may seem at times, there is some point where weapons can and will be brought into play. So, if these matters are not dealt with, there is a possibility that some could result in a murder.”

Regarding the problematic issue of traffic accidents, Nish said it remains an area of serious concern as there have been three fatal collisions so far this year. There were fatal accidents in the parish in 2025.

“The police and the Island Traffic Authority motor vehicle examiners continue to collaborate in implementing education programmes for motorcycle and other vehicle operators with a view of reducing the number of fatal accidents across the parish,” he said.

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