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Failure not an option, says new security minister

Published:Tuesday | March 27, 2018 | 12:00 AMBrian Walker/Staff Reporter
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Horace Chang
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The new ministers and ministers of state displaying their instruments from left: Zavia Mayne, minister of state for labour and social security; Alando Terrelonge, minister of state for culture, geneder, entertainment and sports; Fayval Williams, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; and Dr Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and the Public Service. The new office holders were sworn in by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (third left) yesterday at Kings House. Sharing the occasion is Prime Minister Andrew Holness (fourth left).
Yhomo Hutchinson
Newly appointed ministers and ministers of state conversing at their their swearing-in ceremony at Kings House yesterday. From left are Fayval Williams, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; Dr Nigel Clarke, minister of finance and the public service; Zavia Mayne, minister of state for labour and social security; and Alando Terrelonge, minister of state for culture, gender, entertainment and sports.
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Failure is not an option in the fight against crime, according to Dr Horace Chang, the new minister of national security, who takes over the portfolio at a time when the Government is moving to disrupt the sustained wave of murder affecting the country.

The latest data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force reveal that 327 persons have been killed between January 1 and March 24, up from 318 during the same period last year.

"While I am aware of the policy programmes that the Government has established, I have to get myself briefed on all the details," Chang told The Gleaner. "We certainly will be taking the required steps to ensure that we can reduce the homicide rate and restore community safety in the country and public order," Chang added.

Karl Samuda, who has replaced Chang in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, told The Gleaner that he is comfortable and satisfied with his new role, citing his familiarity with the issues.

Samuda added that former Finance Minister Audley Shaw is the right person to take over from him in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries. He is also pleased with the realignment of relevant agencies.

Samuda asserted, "It has also been strengthened by the inclusion of JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation) and the EXIM (National Export-Import) Bank. So, I think that along with these essential agencies ... someone like Audley (Shaw) with his experience coming from finance, it's going to be an excellent prospect for success."

Fayval Williams, who is now a full Cabinet minister and the first woman to hold that post in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, said she is grateful for the promotion and has a firmer resolve to execute her duties.

"There's a lot to be done; there are many reforms ahead of us. We still have an IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme to complete and I am happy that I am able to be in this position to serve the best interest of the Jamaican people," noted Williams.

brian.walker@gleanerjm.com