Jamaica’s Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence

Introduction to SALIENT Jamaica

Jamaica has significantly enhanced its capacity to stem the illegal flow of firearms and tackle the root causes of violence in schools and communities through a three-year, $750,000 joint initiative with the United Nations.

The Reducing Small Arms & Light Weapons in Jamaica programme—better known as SALIENT Jamaica—formally concluded this month, marking a milestone in Jamaica’s ongoing battle against gun violence.

The SALIENT programme was jointly implemented by several UN agencies, led by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security and Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information. The initiative deployed a comprehensive model that combined firearm interdiction training, community-level peacebuilding, education reforms, and legislative support.

Programme Impact and Achievements

Delroy Simpson, Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of National Security, credited SALIENT for helping Jamaica make “significant strides” in firearm detection and control. These include the creation of a national firearms control strategy, a protocol for managing gun-related incidents in schools, and legislative reviews targeting firearms and explosives. Jamaica also conducted its first community violence audits in Denham Town, Norwood, Savanna-la-Mar, and Fairfield.

“This programme is not to be seen as just another activity,” Simpson emphasized. “It is a commitment to our children, our families, and our future.”

UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday highlighted the programme’s dual impact—strengthening Jamaica’s regulatory framework while addressing underlying social issues. More than 100 law enforcement officials received specialized training in firearm interdiction, advanced targeting, and criminal analysis. At the same time, interventions in schools and communities helped reshape attitudes toward violence, empowered educators, and trained youth in conflict resolution.

Dr. Khoday said the programme “addressed both the symptoms and root causes of gun violence,” and praised the collaborative spirit that brought together government ministries, civil society, and international partners.

UN and Government Support

UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu called SALIENT a “vital piece” of the UN’s global peace and security agenda. “As we bring this chapter to a close, I urge us to see it not as an end but as a foundation,” Zulu said, encouraging Jamaican stakeholders to scale and sustain the programme’s achievements.

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) echoed that call, with Senior Project Economist Shashion Thomas urging continued investment to expand on the SALIENT legacy. “The PIOJ remains committed to supporting sustainable partnerships that contribute to Jamaica’s development priorities,” she said.

Impact on Schools and Communities

In schools, the impact was especially notable. Richard Troupe, Director of Safety and Security in Schools, commended the development of a national firearm response protocol for education institutions and praised creative peacebuilding initiatives, including visual and performing arts programmes, which have engaged students on gun-related issues.

The programme strengthened the capacity of 140 educators to support students’ social-emotional development and trained 70 youth in conflict resolution techniques—interventions seen as crucial for long-term violence prevention.

Programme Funding and Global Implementation

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 forms part of a broader UN effort to reduce gun violence globally and is currently being implemented in eight countries, with Jamaica leading the way.

With 80% of crimes in Jamaica committed using small arms and light weapons, the success of SALIENT is a promising step toward a safer, more secure nation.

Conclusion

The SALIENT Jamaica programme has made significant strides in reducing gun violence and addressing its root causes. The programme’s comprehensive approach, which combined firearm interdiction training, community-level peacebuilding, education reforms, and legislative support, has yielded promising results. As Jamaica continues to build on the programme’s achievements, it is essential to sustain and expand the initiative to ensure a safer and more secure future for its citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is SALIENT Jamaica?

SALIENT Jamaica is a three-year, $750,000 joint initiative between Jamaica and the United Nations to reduce the illegal flow of firearms and tackle the root causes of violence in schools and communities.

What were the programme’s key achievements?

The programme created a national firearms control strategy, a protocol for managing gun-related incidents in schools, and legislative reviews targeting firearms and explosives. It also conducted community violence audits, trained law enforcement officials, and empowered educators and youth in conflict resolution techniques.

How was the programme funded?

The programme was funded by the governments of Finland, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Is the programme being implemented in other countries?

Yes, the programme is part of a broader UN effort to reduce gun violence globally and is currently being implemented in eight countries, with Jamaica leading the way.