A Kingston-based Minister of Religion and community leader is appealing to the authorities to expunge his criminal record.
Pastor David Chang who heads a church in Majesty Gardens has several convictions dating back to the 1980s and spent time in prison. He was locked up over 100 times and has served time for a murder conviction as well as other crimes.
Chang who has applied for his criminal records to be expunged, says he should be given some consideration because of his work as a mediator in Majesty Gardens and the crime-free life he has led for more than 20 years.
“I applied through the ministry of Justice and they turned me own six years ago … when there’s war in the community, they always call on me. Anything happens in the area I deal with it and give them a report,” he said.
He added that given recent amendments to the Criminal Records Act consideration should be given to persons who have been rehabilitated from a life of crime. “I believe I’ve paid my debt, I’m sorry for all the wrong things I’ve done…”
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Mark Golding says there is no consideration being given at this time to persons like Chang.
He said the legislation states that serious crimes cannot be expunged from an individual's record, despite proof of their rehabilitation. Golding said the only route that could be taken is for an application for a pardon to be granted.
This can only be done after a person has been twice denied expungement of a criminal record.
“Hardcore crime is not eligible for expungment, there is possibility under the constitution for pardon to be granted by the Governor General , similarly there is the right to appeal to the Minister if an application has been refused twice…..” Golding said.