VIOLENT CRIME AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN JAMAICA: AN OVERVIEW JAMAICA: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Jamaica is a small state in the northern Caribbean with a population

Jamaica is a small state in the northern Caribbean with a population of approximately 2.69 million people. The state faces significant social and economic challenges with chronic unemployment and underemployment. While the formal economy remains in a stagnant state, the trade in illegal drugs, arms and ammunition has remained dynamic and achieved high levels of organization. The political environment remains stable although the island has experienced periods of political violence. The persistence and even worsening of “the crime problem”, a particularly high incidence of homicides and shootings in addition to rape and carnal abuse, greatly threatens Jamaican national security and the wellbeing of the entire population.