<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>

Who has the highest crime rate in the caribbean