Church group rebukes Chang over ‘blood money’ remark, calls for retraction

Church leaders are calling on National Security Minister Horace Chang to withdraw comments suggesting that advocacy organisations critical of police conduct are “living off blood money.”

The Watchman Church Leaders Alliance has appealed for “restraint, contrition and wisdom” in the wake of the minister’s recent remarks, which the minister directed at human rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and other civil society groups.

Chang’s comment has already drawn criticism from civil society actors and political figures, with JFJ describing the allegation as defamatory, inflammatory and indicating it was considering its legal options.

Chang, who is also deputy prime minister, made the comment during an interview on Nationwide News Network on Monday.

The Opposition People's National Party has condemned the comments and urged Chang to retract the statements.

While acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice of members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and improvements in national security, the church group expressed concern about the tone of public discourse and rising police-related civilian fatalities.

“To characterise the legitimate activities of civil society groups that feed the hungry, counsel the youth, strengthen accountability, improve Jamaica’s international reputation, and advocate for justice, as benefiting from blood money does not reflect the spirit of servant leadership,” the alliance said in a statement on Thursday.

The group said that Jamaica has long been regarded as a model of partnership between government and civil society and warned that such relationships are “worthy of protection.”

“As church leaders, we uphold the principle that all authority flows from God and is to be exercised as service to the people,” the statement read. “Elected officials are not above the citizens they are sworn to represent.”

The alliance further cautioned that using what it described as defamatory language against lawful organisations risks weakening democratic safeguards and discouraging free expression.

“Even when disagreements arise, our words must build up, not tear down; they must protect, not endanger,” the group said.

The church leaders urged the minister to reconsider and retract the statement and instead foster dialogue rooted in mutual respect.

“Dr Chang does have a solemn responsibility to protect the rights of every citizen to speak without fear,” the statement concluded.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

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