KINGSTON, Jamaica — Young Jamaica, the youth arm of the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has criticised Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Opposition Spokesman on Health Alfred Dawes over their handling of questions surrounding the importation of dialysis machines linked to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

In a release on Thursday, Young Jamaica described as “unacceptable and disgraceful” what it said were evasive responses from Golding and Dawes during a media conference, where they declined to state whether 12 dialysis machines, which the auditor general has said were inappropriately and unlawfully imported using UHWI’s tax exemption status, are located at a business owned by a sitting People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament and senior party figure.

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The group also referenced media reports indicating that the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (CTOC) Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is probing the matter.

According to Young Jamaica, Golding’s responses at the media conference undermined his credibility and raised questions about his willingness to act when allegations of corruption involve entities linked to members of his party.

The organisation said the media briefing, during which it claimed several questions about the dialysis machine tax exemption issue were avoided, highlighted what it described as hypocrisy when the Opposition speaks on accountability, probity and transparency.

Young Jamaica further claimed that Golding’s performance had fuelled internal discontent within the PNP, suggesting that some party members are reportedly considering a challenge to his leadership.

The group was also critical of Dawes’ conduct at the briefing, accusing him of focusing his attention on Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton while failing, in its view, to convincingly distance himself from the company implicated in the controversy.

Young Jamaica noted that Dawes was, until recently, listed on the company’s website as a consultant. The company is owned by a sitting PNP Member of Parliament and has been linked to the UHWI dialysis machine tax exemption issue.

While acknowledging the importance of a credible Opposition in a democratic society, Young Jamaica said it believes Golding should reconsider Dawes’ position as Opposition Spokesman on Health.

“Given his history of false statements over the past few years and his pretentious, shambolic and unconvincing move to distance himself from the entity at the centre of the dialysis machine saga, PNP President Mark Golding should reconsider Alfred Dawes’ future as Opposition Spokesman on Health,” the release said.

“Jamaica deserves an Opposition Spokesman who can be believed when he speaks to the nation.”