THE revocation of a 10-year United States visa held by ex-convict-turned-pastor David Chang has been met with cynicism by Jamaica Observer online readers, many of whom share the opinion that he revealed too much in a Sunday Observer story on October 13. In the article, Chang disclosed that he was jailed more than 100 times for criminal acts, including manslaughter, but wanted his record expunged so that could serve his community as a Justice of the Peace. However, days after the story was published, Chang said the US Embassy in Kingston summoned him to a meeting at which his visa was revoked. He had travelled to the US nine times. In a follow-up article yesterday, he said the revocation did not bother him as he had a “visa to heaven”. Here are some edited comments:

thorbergers

So, you see anyone can promote himself to pastor and stamp a visa to heaven himself… better beware when the next pastor starts telling you things.

Blade Brown

He that Keepth his mouth keepth his Visa!

Fabian Williams

Cock mouth kill cock.

Brooklyn_man

I will not judge, we have all made mistakes. However, last week when I read this article, I said, hey, for this guy to be alive he is lucky, to be out of prison is extra, to be a pastor was a bonus. But, he was pushing his luck talking about JP. Yes, he did his time but unless there is a pardon the remnants of what he did, a murder, will always be there in the fact he has a record. It’s reasonable to me. That being said, his life was sailing along, why all this exposure and disclosure in the papers?

Old_Police

The man seh him change his life; at least give him some credits. He could be out there murdering people, at least he gave his life to the Christ, right!

masrog

Cock mouth kill cock. He outed the US Embassy and they react. We do not have to be public about everything. There were things said in the previous article that make Mr Chang appear very braggadocio and this might be the real cause of him losing his visa.

Neutral Justice

Kibber yu mouth, that’s the lesson you learnt Friday. Opportunity knocks once. Your truth set you free, free to roam Jamaica. There is something here for the youth to learn, do not commit murder, it’s unforgivable in this society. The Americans are unforgiving, and because of your honesty someone may have lost their job working at the embassy.

Elelle

It’s nice that he seems to have turned his life around but there are consequences for actions. Just as we wouldn’t have a reformed sexual predator working in a school, this man should not be a JP and countries have every right to deny him entry.

The Cat

After reading the article I was wondering how he got a visa in the first place, and still had it.

fatherforesight

I told him to be thankful and be content. Now he should realise that the adage ‘Want all lose all’ excludes only the PNP.

KG18

Everybody seems to diss this guy now… well, a testimony of God’s salvation is more important than a visa. Therefore, I give him respect.

Chattin

If you cannot reverse the death of those you killed, how can you expect your criminal record to be reversed? If you want to start over with a clean slate, wait for your reincarnation. As far as this current life goes, you are first a convict and then a pastor. It’s a life story you chose to write. You cannot erase it. Live with it.

Charmaine Watson

…You can forgive, but nobody forget a murder. Even the reporter who penned the story should have cautioned Rev about the likely consequences.

Ruel Alexander

Keep yuh mouth shut and enjoy your visa. I’m positive he is sorry now, no matter what he said.

jamdel51

Not surprised at all. I wondered if anyone at the embassy would read the story. I knew if they did, his visa would be toast. If there was justice, he’d still be in prison for the woman’s life he took (that we know about). …Be quiet and be thankful you’re still alive!!

revjoanporteous

“But pastor holds no hard feelings; declares he has visa to heaven (Pastor)”. Did he know this when he was so anxious to become a JP? Jesus washed away sins and set humanity free who seek him.

Falcon_Holw

Cock mouth kill cock; Loose lips sink ship; Leave well enough alone… and more adage.

nev roberts

Mr Chang remains humbled under the circumstances. The people who describe him as being stupid are the ones who are without visas, or have placed other countries above their own. He has the best “visa”, the blood of Jesus, and nothing beats that. He is forgiven, renewed and making a difference.

Brooklyn_man

@nev roberts: You miss the point. If the visa was not important to him, he would not have called the newspaper to talk about it.

indecom

The pastor is talking out of the two sides of his mouth — one minute he is not mad, the next minute he is disappointed with the embassy.

Robin Kay

Mr Chang, considering your past dealings, you should be grateful you are not in prison, where some might argue you should be.

brd893

He felt cocky and so self-assured to request he be nominated to the position to be JP. Next will be the position of GG. He did not appear to be a happy camper.

Olive Rose

Good luck, I wish you all the best

Philip Edwards

Wisdom is a principal thing. Sorry pastor, that was not wise of you.

tyroneosborne

In this day and age, when news fly so fast, people must learn ‘nuh fi chat too much’. Anything you put out there in the news will be seen and heard around the globe. You know how much people sink themselves because dem ah talk too much?

Mars

He brought it on himself. He got a visa quietly without bringing attention to himself, but he got too greedy when he thought he was too important than he is by putting the spotlight on himself. I’ve wondered since the story broke how he managed to get a visa for the States when he’s a convict?