Dr Horace Chang: From healing hands to national leadership

WESTERN BUREAU:

As Jamaica celebrates National Heroes Day, the country will bestow one of its highest honours – the Order of Jamaica – on Dr Horace Chang, minister of national security and deputy prime minister.

This recognition marks decades of service, both in medicine and politics, where Chang has left a mark on the nation’s development.

Trained as a medical doctor, Chang made a transition from healing patients to shaping policies – a move he considers a natural extension of his dedication to service. “Medicine is a service profession, and politics, despite its controversies, is still the highest form of service,” he shared in a recent interview with The Gleaner. For him, it was never just about career shifts, but about finding different ways to improve lives, whether by providing healthcare or guiding national decisions.

Receiving Jamaica’s fourth highest honour is something that deeply resonates with him.

“It’s a reflection that my peers appreciate the work I’ve done. It’s always rewarding to be recognised for service to your country,” Chang reflected. The recommendation, coming from his colleagues, makes this acknowledgement even more personal.

One example of Chang’s dedication can be seen in Norwood, St James – a community plagued by poverty, crime, and inadequate infrastructure. Under his leadership, Norwood became a focal point for transformative projects designed to uplift the area. These initiatives, which included improving social services and providing opportunities for residents, were aimed at regularising the community and bringing dignity to its people. A key part of his efforts involved granting residents access to essential services such as water, electricity, and healthcare.

Through his commitment to this community, Chang says he witnessed first-hand the power of change.

“When I see students from disadvantaged backgrounds become the first in their families to graduate from university, it’s an indescribable feeling,” he said. Those success stories, he noted, are the moments that give him the greatest satisfaction.

As a father of two and husband to Paulette, Chang’s journey has been shaped by both personal and professional accomplishments. His wife, a steadfast presence throughout his career, has played an essential role in his success.

“She’s been my rock,” he admits. “It’s impossible to balance this life without the support of family.”

Water access

As the former minister of water and housing, one of what Chang sees as his proudest achievements is his work on the Jamaica Water Sector Improvement Programme, which restored reliable water access to communities long neglected. His efforts in upgrading Jamaica’s water infrastructure remains a notable point in his public service legacy.

His contributions to Jamaican politics, especially in the western region, are equally notable. Chang was instrumental in revitalising the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in this area, ensuring its strength as a political force.

“Restoring the JLP in western Jamaica has been one of my biggest achievements,” he said, adding that he firmly believes a robust two-party system is essential for a thriving democracy.

However, Chang is also mindful of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly as Jamaica becomes increasingly urbanised. He stressed the need for strong leadership in urban centres like Kingston and Montego Bay, which will shape the nation’s future politically and economically.

Reflecting on the complexities of modern politics, particularly the rising costs of political campaigns, he advises young professionals to be financially prepared if they choose to enter public service.

“You have to ensure you have a stable economic base,” he warned, noting how much the dynamics of political financing have shifted since his early days.

Throughout his career, balancing public service with family life has been one of Chang’s greatest challenges.

“The logistical aspect is tough, but you can adjust. The emotional toll is another matter,” he confessed. In politics, the reality of not being able to satisfy everyone is a burden that leaders must learn to carry.

Despite the many ups and downs, as he stands on the cusp of receiving one of the nation’s highest honours, Chang said he remains deeply humble. His legacy, he added, will be defined by his focus on security, infrastructure, and the revitalisation of his party.

“We’ve made significant progress, and I’m proud to have been part of that transformation,” he concluded.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com