Prime Minister Andrew Holness has defended his decision to keep Dr. Horace Chang as National Security Minister, despite the crime wave facing the country.

Since the start of the year, Jamaica has recorded over 50 murders.

Dr. Chang maintained the National Security Portfolio in last week’s Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr. Holness was questioned about the Security Minister at a press conference yesterday (January 16). The Prime Minister expressed his confidence in the Security Minister, stating that the Ministry is the most difficult.

He said a change in leadership will not guarantee a sudden change in the current situation, noting that the problems are deep-rooted.

Mr Holness said it would be counter-productive to remove Dr. Chang as National Security Minister, as it would hinder the progress of the security plans being implemented.