Jamaica has considerably enhanced its capability to stem the unlawful circulation of firearms and deal with the foundation causes of violence in colleges and communities by means of a three-year, $750,000 joint initiative with the United Nations.
The Lowering Small Arms & Mild Weapons in Jamaica programme—higher referred to as SALIENT Jamaica—formally concluded this month, marking a milestone in Jamaica’s ongoing battle in opposition to gun violence.
The SALIENT programme was collectively applied by a number of UN companies, led by the UN Improvement Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Jamaica’s Ministry of Nationwide Safety and Ministry of Schooling, Abilities, Youth and Info. The initiative deployed a complete mannequin that mixed firearm interdiction coaching, community-level peacebuilding, training reforms, and legislative assist.
Delroy Simpson, Chief Technical Director within the Ministry of Nationwide Safety, credited SALIENT for serving to Jamaica make “important strides” in firearm detection and management. These embody the creation of a nationwide firearms management technique, a protocol for managing gun-related incidents in colleges, and legislative evaluations focusing on firearms and explosives. Jamaica additionally carried out its first neighborhood violence audits in Denham City, Norwood, Savanna-la-Mar, and Fairfield.
“This programme is to not be seen as simply one other exercise,” Simpson emphasised. “It’s a dedication to our youngsters, our households, and our future.”
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UNDP Resident Consultant Dr. Kishan Khoday highlighted the programme’s twin impression—strengthening Jamaica’s regulatory framework whereas addressing underlying social points. Greater than 100 regulation enforcement officers obtained specialised coaching in firearm interdiction, superior focusing on, and felony evaluation. On the identical time, interventions in colleges and communities helped reshape attitudes towards violence, empowered educators, and skilled youth in battle decision.
Dr. Khoday mentioned the programme “addressed each the signs and root causes of gun violence,” and praised the collaborative spirit that introduced collectively authorities ministries, civil society, and worldwide companions.
UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu known as SALIENT a “important piece” of the UN’s world peace and safety agenda. “As we carry this chapter to a detailed, I urge us to see it not as an finish however as a basis,” Zulu mentioned, encouraging Jamaican stakeholders to scale and maintain the programme’s achievements.
The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) echoed that decision, with Senior Undertaking Economist Shashion Thomas urging continued funding to broaden on the SALIENT legacy. “The PIOJ stays dedicated to supporting sustainable partnerships that contribute to Jamaica’s growth priorities,” she mentioned.
In colleges, the impression was particularly notable. Richard Troupe, Director of Security and Safety in Colleges, recommended the event of a nationwide firearm response protocol for training establishments and praised artistic peacebuilding initiatives, together with visible and performing arts programmes, which have engaged college students on gun-related points.
The programme strengthened the capability of 140 educators to assist college students’ social-emotional growth and skilled 70 youth in battle decision strategies—interventions seen as essential for long-term violence prevention.
SALIENT Jamaica ran in two phases between 2022 and 2025 and was funded by the governments of Finland, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, and Switzerland. It varieties a part of a broader UN effort to cut back gun violence globally and is at present being applied in eight nations, with Jamaica main the best way.
With 80% of crimes in Jamaica dedicated utilizing small arms and light-weight weapons, the success of SALIENT is a promising step towards a safer, safer nation.
