The partnership between the government and the European Union to support citizen security in Jamaica has been critical to our continued efforts to build a stronger democratic and economically sustainable citizenry, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.
He stated further that citizen security stands as the cornerstone of our national security objectives.
He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Citizen Security Secretariat Retreat 2023, under the theme: “Taking a holistic approach to citizen security – sustaining our gains and closing the gaps”.
The Citizen Security Plan, now in its third year, serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to a sustainable approach to social investment.
Minister Chang noted that like any prototype, the CSP has undergone various iterations to “refine and continuously improve, ensuring that we arrive at the best-fit model”.
He said that “over time, the plan has evolved, particularly in the area of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) where we have streamlined our approach from over 200 indicators to a focused set of 70 indicators”.
The Citizen Security Plan, according to the Minister, serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating a sustainable model for social investment that addresses the root causes of crime.
“We understand that reactive measures are not enough; we must invest in proactive and preventive measures that uplift our communities and empower our people,” Minister Chang said.
Funding for the programme is being provided through budget support which ensures transparency in all operations. These funds are being directed to the Zones of Special Operations in order to have measurable results particularly as it relates to reduced criminal activity and improved opportunities for the residents to engage in self-improvement and empowerment initiatives.
In addition, the Security Minister commended the collaborative work of the EU Technical Assistance Team and the Ministry of Education in improving data collection systems, providing greater access to psychosocial support services, and enhancing educational outcomes for students.
He said the Government of Jamaica remains committed to a multi-pronged approach to address crime and violence and will continue working with the European Union in achieving this important outcome for Jamaica.
Minister Chang noted in addition that the Citizen Security Plan “effectively complements ongoing efforts to strengthen legislative support and enhance the operational capacity of our security forces”.
He stated that critical development issues cannot be treated as mere projects but must be properly institutionalized to create lasting impact at scale, benefiting more individuals and communities.
“Our ultimate outcome is to ensure that citizens can live without the fear of criminality, with reduced crime rates and improved public safety and order. We strive to create a society where every Jamaican can achieve a better quality of life, contributing to the overall improvement of our beloved country,” Minister Chang said.
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