Every year in the first week of January, we report on the country's murder rate. It's subject of nervous worry since, we imagine every Belizean dreads when we're right there in the list of the top ten most murderous countries on earth. Well, there were plenty of murders this year, 119 of them but many more in other countries, so, early indications are that Belize will not make it unto that top ten. Of course, there's nothing to celebrate in 119 murders – that's dismal, but it is four less than last year's 123. It also brings down Belize's murder rate to 32, which is lower than our neighbors, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Those three countries are called the Northern Triangle and they comprise what is widely recognized as the most dangerous area on earth. The Triangle – just those three countries – reported a combined 17,422 murders in 2015. It was worst in El Salvador which reported 6,657 homicides, for a murder rate of 104 per hundred thousand citizens, which is a 67% increase from last year. The murder rate in Honduras went down from 68 to 57, while Guatemala went down only slightly. The murder rate also went up sharply in Jamaica where there were 1,192 slayings, 20% more than the previous year.

So, in that context, the final numbers on murder and major crime in general are encouraging for the Belize Police Department because 2015 started with sharp increase in murders. Later in the year, the Department's multi-layered intervention is believed to have curbed it the last 6 months. Here's what the Police High Command had to say about the overall major crime profile for the year 2015:

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police

"Our statistics for the year 2015 shows a grand total of 2216 major crimes were recorded in the country of Belize as compared to 2494 in the year 2014. This reflects a decrease 278 cases of major incidents or 11.1% in 2015. Theft was the highest major crime reported in the country of Belize for the year 2015. A decrease of 96 cases of thefts or 8.5% was noted in 2015 when compared with the previous year 2014. Burglary was the second highest reported major crime country wide for the year 2015. This is a decrease of 93 cases of burglary or 11.1% as of noted in 2015 when compared to the previous year. Records show that 214 cases of robberies were reported countrywide for the year under review. A decrease was noted of 77 robberies or 26.5% in 2015 when compared to the year 2014. Murders, 119 murders were recorded in 2015 contributing to 5.4% of the total major crimes recorded. A decrease of 4 murders or 3.3% was noted in 2015 in comparison to the previous year. The month with the highest incidents of major crimes was August 2015 with a total of 221 cases reported. Whilst in 2014 the highest was recorded in the month of May with a total of 229 major crimes."