<P> Some areas of Jamaica, particularly cities such as Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town, experience high levels of crime and violence . Jamaica has had one of the highest murder rates in the world for many years, according to United Nations estimates . Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson described the situation as "a national challenge of unprecedented proportions". </P> <P> When Jamaica gained independence in 1962, the murder rate was 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in the world . In 2005, Jamaica had 1,674 murders for a murder rate of 58 per 100,000 people . That year, Jamaica had the highest murder rate in the world . In November 2008, the Jamaican Parliament voted to retain the death penalty, which is performed by hanging . </P> <P> There were 1,682 reported murders in 2009 and 1,428 in 2010 . Since 2011 the murder rate has continued to fall following the downward trend started in 2010, with increases in police patrols, curfews, and more effective anti-gang activities . In 2012, the Ministry of National Security reported a 30 percent decrease in murders . Many of the murders in Jamaica are connected to organized crime in the country's urban centers, and most of this organized crime involves the illegal drug trade . </P> <P> here has been a vast reduction in violence against LGBT individuals in Jamaica . The U.S. Department of State reported that brutality with homosexuals, mainly by private citizens, was widespread in 2008 . Homosexuality per se is not illegal in Jamaica; however the Offenses Against the Person Act criminalizes buggery (anal sex) as well as "acts of gross indecency" between men . Many Jamaicans are hostile toward LGBT and intersex people, and several mob attacks against gay people have been reported . International human rights groups, the local LGBT rights organization, Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All - Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG) and many Jamaicans have called on the government to take measures to protect LGBT people, including repealing the buggery law . </P>

Which parish in jamaica has the highest crime rate