KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica's police commissioner has resigned as the Caribbean nation struggles to curb a murder rate that is among the world's highest.
Information Minister Daryl Vaz says he cannot comment on the reasons for Hardley Lewin's resignation but he says the prime minister is concerned about the spiraling crime rate.
More than 1,200 homicides have been reported in Jamaica through September, and officials say homicides have risen dramatically in recent weeks. Gang violence is blamed for 90 percent of the slayings on the island of 3 million people.
Lewin was appointed commissioner in 2007 after 30 years in the Jamaican military.
He resigned Sunday night and Vaz said Monday that Lewin's successor will likely be named this week.
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