KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) says it is seeking legal advice after National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang claimed that the advocacy group was “living off blood money”, labelling the allegation as “unfortunate, untrue and inflammatory.”

In a statement on Monday, JFJ said the comments, which were made hours earlier by Chang in an interview on Nationwide News Network, “does little to advance constructive dialogue on public safety and accountability.”

The advocacy group said in light of the “defamatory nature” of the accusation and its potential consequences, it is currently seeking legal advice on the matter and any possible actions that may be warranted.

Chang made the comments against the background of criticisms of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) by JFJ and other organisations over increased police fatal shootings and alleged lack of accountability by the JCF. He accused the organisations of undermining the work of the police while benefiting from the so-called “blood money”.

However, according to the JFJ, it receives funding through mechanisms similar to those supporting state institutions—primarily grants from international development agencies.

“We therefore ask: by the same logic, is the Government also ‘profiting from blood money’ through its own operations and funding? Such rhetorical framing is neither accurate nor helpful,” JFJ said.

The group said it remains steadfast in its mandate to advocate for justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Jamaica and accordingly, hold the state and its institutions accountable against any excesses, ensuring the state’s duty of care to protect citizens’ rights and lives.

“We have consistently maintained that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) must be held to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability. This position supports—rather than opposes—effective policing and is vital to sustaining public trust and long-term security,” JFJ said.

The group added that its public releases and positions are grounded in verifiable data drawn directly from official sources, including reports from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), the Ministry of National Security and Peace, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and court records, as well as information provided by complainants.

“We make no assertions beyond what these authoritative sources and processes indicate,” JFJ stressed, adding, “in our critique, we do not broad-brush police killings as extrajudicial; rather, we highlight documented patterns, recurring complaints, and specific incidents—such as the fatal shootings of Jamar Farquharson, Romario Sterling, and Terron Hewitt—that warrant greater scrutiny.”

The group rejected the idea that it was opposing peace and said it actively supports professional policing and improved police-citizen relations.

“In 2024 and 2025 combined, we trained over 300 police officers in human rights and related topics, and in 2025, we hosted two citizens-police town halls in Kingston to foster dialogue and trust,” JFJ said.

JFJ noted that in the past, it has publicly called for adequate compensation and improved working conditions for police officers so they are not forced to litigate for fair wages and better treatment.

“The suggestion that we do not support the police is therefore unfounded,” it said. “A broadside of this nature by the minister unnecessarily pits officers against a civil society organisation dedicated to shared goals of safety and justice, which is not conducive to national progress.”

Welcoming Chang’s return to active duties following an elective surgery the group wished him continued good health and success in his responsibilities; it added however that as deputy prime minister and minister of national security and peace, a great deal is expected of Chang in terms of leadership, measured discourse, and fostering an environment where accountability and security reinforce each other—not clash.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate and noted that it will continue to discharge its duties without fear or favour.