Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, pledged the government's unwavering support for the safety and security of all worshipers and faith communities across the island.
"No member of the church, no worshipper, and no citizen should ever have to live in fear, whether at a late-night service, an early morning prayer meeting, or a community outreach activity," he declared. "Because of the role you play in shaping lives, strengthening families, and protecting communities, we, as a government, have a responsibility to ensure that you, too are protected and supported," the Minister affirmed.
Minister Chang reiterated this commitment while delivering remarks at the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) Service of Inauguration for the newly elected administration, held on Saturday (May 9) at the Northern Caribbean University, in Manchester.
Reflecting on the transformative journey Jamaica has undertaken since 2018, Minister Chang acknowledged that the nation's progress in reducing fear and crime has been the result of collective effort. He noted that the transformation did not happen by governance alone, but because “churches, communities, families, and citizens stood together”.
In recognising the Church as a pillar of Jamaican society, Dr. Chang highlighted the critical role that faith-based organisations have historically played as institutions of stability, faith, and hope.
"In many communities across Jamaica, the church became the first counsellor, the first mentor, the first refuge, and sometimes even the first responder in times of crisis," Minister Chang stated. "That is leadership. That is mission. That is service."
The Security and Peace Minister outlined the government's approach to national security as one rooted in restoration and inclusion and not merely enforcement. Dr. Chang, reiterated that the mission of government is not only to remove violence, but to restore lives and rebuild peace, dignity, and purpose in communities affected by violence.
Reminding the new leadership of the SDA church that “the best days of Jamaica are still ahead”, Dr. Chang encouraged administration to remain anchored in values and grounded in service, faith, and belief.
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