KINGSTON, Jamaica—Young Jamaica, the youth arm of the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), is expressing strong support for National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang, who has come under heavy criticism for his claim that advocacy group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) was “living off blood money”.

“Young Jamaica reiterates its full support for Dr Chang and urges the national security minister to stand his ground and not retract his statement. We also wish to congratulate Dr Chang for his leadership of his portfolio, which has contributed heavily to major reductions in murders and other violent crimes.

Without doubt, Dr Chang is Jamaica’s most successful national security minister over the past 60 years. We urge the minister not to be distracted and to keep up the good work which has contributed to a safer and more secure Jamaican society,” Young Jamaica said in a statement.

There have been calls from the Opposition, National Integrity Action and other church groups for Chang to retract his statement.

Young Jamaica said it fully recognises the very important role of human rights advocacy groups in society and supports calls for accountability in situations where there is reasonable cause to suspect excesses by agents of the state. However, it said it is of the view that fairness and consistency are not too much to ask from such groups, including JFJ.

According to Young Jamaica, it is time for JFJ to recognise that law-abiding members of society have moved beyond tolerating blatant anti-police rhetoric which does not manifest a clear understanding of the reality of violent crime which confronts Jamaicans on a daily basis.

READ: JFJ seeking legal advice after Chang says its ‘living off blood money’