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In 2023, the Caribbean islands recorded the highest homicide rates in the American territory. Notably, Jamaica and Saint Kitts and Nevis each had more than ** cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In South America, Ecuador had the highest rate, standing at approximately **** homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

The role of cocaine

Organized crime, especially that linked to drug trafficking, has established itself as the main driver of homicides in much of this geographic region. The constant increase in cocaine production—driven by high prices in major consumer markets—has fueled disputes among criminal groups over control of trafficking routes. In Ecuador, for example, this scenario has seen a ** percent increase in the homicide rate compared to last year, reaching figures never before recorded. This increase is closely linked to the consolidation of this nation as a key exit point for drugs in the South American region.

El Salvador, an exceptional case

In just five years, El Salvador has experienced a decrease of more than ** percent in its homicide rate. Thus, the country that was once considered the most violent in Latin America has become the safest in the region. This remarkable decline is attributed to a series of policies and strategies implemented by the government of Nayib Bukele, whose approach has included dismantling criminal structures and applying mass incarceration measures. Despite the controversy surrounding some of these strategies, the current president enjoys unprecedented support from the population, with an approval rating close to ** percent, the highest in all of Latin America.