Jamaica’s Chang insists US transit deal will not let criminals stay on the island
The deputy prime minister dismissed security concerns over the deportation transit agreement and pointed to a 23 per cent fall in homicides.
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang has said the country’s deportation transit agreement with the United States will not allow criminals to remain in Jamaica.
He told the public the government would protect national security and would not jeopardise progress made in reducing violent crime.
“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.
He added: “No criminal will find a safe haven anywhere in Jamaica” while the current administration remains in office.
Critics’ concerns
The agreement has sparked debate, with critics raising concerns about transparency and possible security risks.
The government says the arrangement permits only the temporary, controlled transit of third-country nationals and does not allow criminals to settle in the country.
Falling homicides
Chang highlighted a 23 per cent drop in homicides and said Jamaica could record fewer than 600 murders this year as a result of stronger policing and investment in national security.
He said Jamaica’s Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) was assisting law enforcement agencies in several Caribbean countries.
He also said the government was improving agriculture, healthcare and land administration through a 10-year agricultural plan, faster land titling and efforts to address informal settlements.
