Ja will not become a safe haven for criminals, says Chang in dismissing fears over third-country deportees

Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang has dismissed concerns that Jamaica could become a haven for criminals under the proposed agreement with the United States involving the possible transfer of third-country nationals.

Closing the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Chang described suggestions that the Government would agree to bring criminals into Jamaica as "absolutely ridiculous", insisting that the country's hard-won gains in reducing crime and violence would not be compromised.

"To consider that I would bring criminals into Jamaica, from anywhere of any kind, after doing all we have done to reduce crime and violence... is ridiculous, Madam Speaker," Chang said, adding that misinformation surrounding the issue had been amplified on social media.

The minister stressed that Jamaica would not provide refuge to criminals under any circumstances.

"The reality is that no criminal will find a safe haven anywhere in Jamaica while this Government is here and while I am sitting in this seat. None, of any colour or creed, anywhere they are from," he declared.

Referring to the proposed arrangement for third-country nationals, Chang said Jamaica would continue to protect its borders and ensure that anyone allowed into the country complies with its laws.

"We will protect those gains, secure our borders, keep criminals out of the country, and remove those who are here," he said.

Chang also sought to reassure Jamaicans that the Government would not undermine years of progress in tackling violent crime by facilitating the entry of dangerous individuals.

"We are committed to ensuring our communities remain safe, and we will incapacitate those who commit criminal activity within our borders, wherever they are from, whatever colour they are, whoever they are," he said.

Debate over the Memorandum of Understanding between Jamaica and the United States has intensified in recent days, with concerns being raised about provisions relating to the possible acceptance of third-country nationals.

However, Chang insisted that the Government would never allow Jamaica to become a destination or sanctuary for criminals and maintained that national security remains the overriding priority.

In defending the Government's position, Chang also pointed to Jamaica's improving crime statistics.

He told Parliament that, as of Monday, June 29, the country had recorded a 23 per cent reduction in murders compared with the corresponding period last year.

He said that if the current trend continues, Jamaica is on pace to record fewer than 600 murders by the end of 2026, an outcome that, he noted, would have seemed far-fetched just a few years ago.

- Andre Williams

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