Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang has dismissed concerns that Jamaica could become a haven for criminals under the proposed agreement with the United States involving the possible transfer of third-country nationals.

Closing the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Chang described suggestions that the Government would agree to bring criminals into Jamaica as "absolutely ridiculous", insisting that the country's hard-won gains in reducing crime and violence would not be compromised.

"To consider that I would bring criminals into Jamaica, from anywhere of any kind, after doing all we have done to reduce crime and violence... is ridiculous, Madam Speaker," Chang said, adding that misinformation surrounding the issue had been amplified on social media.