G2K demands Golding renounce British citizenship or drop PM bid
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), is calling for Opposition leader Mark Golding to renounce his British citizenship or withdraw his prime ministerial ambitions.
In a media release on Monday, the G2K said its request comes following Golding’s admission of British citizenship. President of the G2K, Shayne Kerr said Golding’s decision to reveal his citizenship status only came after mounting pressure and shared that the latter should be taken as an indication of the type of leadership he will bring to the fore as prime minister.
“Mark Golding’s deception regarding his citizenship status is a clear indication of the kind of leadership he would offer to the Jamaican people – one that lacks transparency and integrity,” Kerr stated in the release. “By misleading the public and avoiding direct answers, Golding has shown that he is willing to compromise honesty for personal political gain.”
Kerr added that the Jamaican people deserve a leader who is “fully committed to Jamaica and whose loyalty is undivided.”
“We call on Mr Golding to immediately renounce his British citizenship or withdraw from his bid to become Prime Minister. His failure to do so will only further erode public trust in his leadership and in the People’s National Party (PNP),” Kerr shared.
In its statement, the G2K also highlighted that the PNP’s awareness of Golding’s citizenship status also raises questions, especially given “the strong stance the PNP has historically taken on the issue of dual citizenship in Parliament.”
“It is imperative to ask whether the party was aware of Mr Golding’s dual citizenship and if they were misled as well. The Jamaican people deserve clarity on this issue, and it is the responsibility of the PNP to provide transparent answers,” the G2K said.
The young professional affiliate of the JLP then went on to reiterate that holding dual citizenship, particularly with a country that was once colonised, is incompatible with the role of prime minister or prospects for that post.”
The G2K further called on groups such as the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, and other civil society groups, not to remain silent on this issue.
