Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, today welcomed Jamaica's newest citizens, describing their swearing-in as a defining moment that reflects the country's enduring values of unity, democracy and opportunity.
Minister Chang congratulated the new citizens on their decision to make Jamaica their permanent home. He told the 30 newly conferred citizens that their commitment strengthens the nation's rich multicultural heritage. He made the remark at the Citizenship Ceremony, hosted by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) on Wednesday (July 22) at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston.
“Today is more than just an administrative milestone. It is the day when you formally become part of the Jamaican family which represents hope, commitment and belonging. It reflects your decision to embrace our values and to contribute to the continued growth and development of our nation,” Dr. Chang expressed.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that Jamaica's long-standing democratic tradition continues to provide a stable foundation and community as the country makes significant improvements in its security landscape.
“We have seen significant improvement in public order. Our homicide rate declined from 40 per 100,000 to now just under 25,” Dr. Chang noted.
He said while the achievements are significant, the government is committed to driving crime even lower.
“While these statistics are encouraging, they represent something far more important than numbers. They represent lives saved, families kept whole, children growing up with greater hope, communities reclaiming public spaces and feeling safer, businesses operating with confidence and visitors enjoying our island in greater safety and without fear. These are the real dividends of peace and security and we intend to maintain those dividends,” the Security Minister highlighted.
Turning to broader national development, Dr. Chang told the new citizens that they are joining Jamaica at a time of meaningful national progress, pointing to continued investments in education, healthcare, public safety, digital transformation, and economic opportunity.
He said despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaicans continue to demonstrate resilience in building a country that offers greater prosperity for all citizens.
“We are creating a nation that is more resilient to climate change, more adaptive to future challenges and more capable of protecting the well-being of all who call Jamaica home. As you become citizens today, you become partners in that national journey,” Minister Chang emphasised.
Dr. Chang urged the new Jamaicans to become active participants in their communities, support neighbours, respect our institutions and defend the principles of justice, tolerance and mutual respect that have shaped our nation for generations.
The Citizenship Ceremony welcomed several individuals who have chosen to make Jamaica their home. Citizenship affords individuals the right to participate in our democracy and provides protection under Jamaican laws. Citizenship ceremonies reaffirm the country's longstanding tradition of embracing people from diverse backgrounds and truly reflect the island's motto, ‘Out of Many, One People’.