Mark Golding’s letter to Jamaica

Opposition Leader and President of the People's National Party (PNP), Mark Golding, today penned a letter to the people of Jamaica, outlining the issues surrounding his British citizenship and his plans to renounce it.

SEE FULL LETTER BELOW:

Dear Fellow Jamaicans,

Today, I address you on a matter of personal significance and national importance – my decision to retain solely my Jamaican citizenship, and to renounce my British citizenship.

1. LEGITIMACY OF COMMONWEALTH CITIZENSHIP:

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that having citizenship of a Commonwealth country is required under our Constitution. This provision recognizes the historical and familial connections that many Jamaicans, including myself, share with other Commonwealth nations.

I am a Jamaican citizen and have a Jamaican passport. I was born in Jamaica, I grew up in Jamaica and I have worked my entire life here. I have always acted with Jamaica's best interests at heart. I have sworn allegiance to Jamaica, and to Jamaica alone.

My father, Professor the Hon. Sir John Golding, OJ, came to Jamaica from the United Kingdom, and I also acquired that citizenship by descent. My citizenship status has always been in full compliance with our laws.

2. CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM:

In a democratic society, it is important that our laws reflect the collective will and evolving values of the Jamaican people. The question of eligibility requirements for political leaders is important, and should be addressed comprehensively as part of the ongoing constitutional reform process.

That discussion should recognize that as many Jamaicans live overseas as live here, that our economy and society are deeply reliant on the support of Jamaicans overseas, and that we need talent and participation drawn from the entire Jamaican family to tackle our nation's challenges in the pursuit of national development.

3. RESPECTING PUBLIC SENTIMENT:

Based on a scientific poll that we recently commissioned, I am aware that, while not an overwhelming majority, a significant percentage of our population believes that political leaders and other holders of high national office should hold only Jamaican citizenship.

My father was a great servant of the Jamaican people. I love him dearly. He has always been a moral compass in my life, and I remain proud of his legacy of service, especially to persons with disabilities.

Nevertheless, as someone putting myself forward to the people of Jamaica for high office, I have decided to ensure that my citizenship is not a matter of concern to those who feel strongly that persons holding high office in Jamaica should be Jamaican citizens only.

4. AVOIDING DISTRACTIONS:

Moreover, I do not wish this matter to be used as a distraction by an unpopular government that has lost the trust and confidence of a majority of the Jamaican people. We must focus on the pressing issues facing our nation, and solutions to give a better quality of life to our people.

The current administration's dismal failures in healthcare, education, social infrastructure, and the persistent problem of crime and violence, need our undivided attention and collective effort to address.

It is also crucial to focus on and tackle the corruption, mismanagement, nepotism, and waste that have unfortunately characterized the current Government. These issues must remain at the forefront of our national discourse.

5. UNWAVERING COMMITMENT:

By renouncing British citizenship when it is not a legal or constitutional requirement to do so, I demonstrate and reiterate my unwavering commitment to Jamaica. At a time when we must focus on the critical challenges facing our nation, it also eliminates a potential distraction that political opponents have grasped at in the face of electoral defeat.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Let us remain united in our efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive Jamaica.

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