A future People’s National Party (PNP) Government would facilitate an “ethical society for national development” campaign.

The commitment was given on Tuesday by Opposition Leader Mark Golding as he made his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate at Gordon House.

“In this budget debate, and as Jamaica moves towards the general elections, many proposals and promises will be made addressing matters of national importance: growth, governance, education, crime, employment, social issues, etc.,” said Golding.

“The achievement of our goals depends on human effort and cooperation, built on our relationship with Almighty God. This is the source of our capacity to overcome our many challenges. A critical dimension which concerns many people a great deal, and which I feel compelled to address, is what may be referred to as ‘the moral decay of the social fabric’ of our country,” Golding added.

He said this is manifested in the lack of respect and care in how Jamaican’s treat each other; “the callousness of behaviour we see around us every day and the corruption that has taken over the affairs of the nation”.

“It has everything to do with the values which uphold our society, and our attitudes to life and to each other in our society,” Golding stated. He pointed to former Prime Minister P J Patterson who pushed a Values and Attitudes campaign “but unfortunately it was sacrificed on the altar of partisan politics…”

“Time come now for a national effort, for a non-political movement that embraces principles and practices for the spiritual, moral and ethical upliftment of Jamaica. The next PNP Government is committed to such a process. We do not propose that it be led by us as politicians, as experience teaches that with that approach it would likely not get off the ground. But it will be supported, facilitated and championed by the next PNP government. Our vision is that this movement will be led by spiritual and civic leaders who have the reputation, credibility, commitment and desire to do so.

“Collectively, we must raise the bar as champions of change, and restore the social fabric of the country. If we can do that, it will make it so much easier to overcome our challenges and achieve our economic and social goals,” said Golding.