Golding declares he has retired - Former PM has no intention to take any new job in Government

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding has stated definitively that he will not be taking up a position in the current Government.

Speaking on 'Cliff Hughes Online' on Power 106 FM yesterday, Golding said he has retired.

He said his role in the Government is limited to providing sound advice to Prime Minister Andrew Holness when he asks for it.

Meanwhile, the former prime minister said the Holness administration must address the much-anticipated $1.5-million tax plan.

He said he believed the Government has been doing well so far, and that while minor issues have come up, Holness enjoys the goodwill of the people.

However, Golding noted that it was important that the Government keep the commitments made to Jamaicans, especially those which influenced the public to vote, such as the tax plan.

The former prime minister, who has done work on the tax proposal, said the plan was consistent with other tax systems in the Caribbean.

However, he said while the tax plan was commendable, the Government must ensure that it does not derail the economic reform programme with the International Monetary Fund.