Minister Chang says Jamaica will not be safe haven for criminals
Key Points(5)
- Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang has rejected suggestions that the Government would allow criminals to be imported into Jamaica, describing the claim as “ridiculous” and politically distorted.
- “To consider that I would bring criminals into Jamaica, from anywhere of any kind, after we have done all we have done to reduce crime and violence, it is ridiculous!” Chang said, noting that social media has the capacity to “make these things go viral”.
- “But it’s just absolutely ridiculous,” he added.
- “No criminal will find a safe haven anywhere in Jamaica while this Government is here, and I’m sitting in this seat.
- None – of any colour or creed – no matter where they are from.” Chang’s assertion follows public outcry and confusion regarding the Third Country Nationals (TCN) agreement between Jamaica and the United States.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr. Horace Chang, has dismissed suggestions that the Government would allow criminals to be imported into Jamaica, calling the claim “ridiculous” and politically distorted.
Speaking during the closing of the 2026 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Chang said it was “absolutely ridiculous” to believe that, after sustained efforts to reduce crime and violence, the State would introduce criminal deportees into the country.
“To consider that I would bring criminals into Jamaica, from anywhere of any kind, after we have done all we have done to reduce crime and violence, it is ridiculous!” Chang said, adding that social media has helped amplify misinformation.
“But it’s just absolutely ridiculous,” he added. “No criminal will find a safe haven anywhere in Jamaica while this Government is here, and I’m sitting in this seat. None – of any colour or creed – no matter where they are from.”
Chang’s comments come amid public debate surrounding the Third Country Nationals (TCN) agreement between Jamaica and the United States, which allows for the temporary transit of non-Jamaican deportees from the US through Jamaica. Several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have reportedly been approached for similar arrangements.
The proposal has drawn criticism from commentators who have raised concerns about transparency in negotiations and potential national security risks, as well as fears that Jamaica could become a holding point for US migration policy. The Government has maintained that the arrangement is a controlled form of cooperation with the United States.
Chang stressed that Jamaica would continue to protect its borders and ensure compliance with local laws, particularly in relation to returning nationals.
“Those who are Jamaican citizens, they come back and understand that there is a new order in place in Jamaica. We welcome them as our brothers and sisters, but they will have to remain within the order and behave themselves,” he said.
“We will incapacitate those who commit criminal activities within our borders, wherever they are and whatever colour they are,” he added.
On crime trends, Chang credited sustained policy decisions and investment in the security forces for recent declines in violent crime. He noted that as of Monday, June 29, Jamaica had recorded a 23 per cent reduction in murders compared to the same period last year.
He also said that if current trends continue, Jamaica could end the year with fewer than 600 murders, a figure he described as once “a dream, a miracle,” but now within reach.
“Today, it is within sight and is actively being achieved because the country, the Government and the people have stayed the course,” he said.
