JLP wants clear answer from Golding on status of his British citizenship

Deputy General Secretary of  the Jamaica Labour Party,  Senator Charles Sinclair, is describing as "hypocritical, unacceptable and disgraceful" Opposition Leader Mark Golding's response to questions about whether he is a British citizen.

There have been questions regarding Golding's citizenship, since his recent suggestion that the constitutional reform process should reconsider the current rule which bars certain dual citizens from sitting in the Jamaican parliament.

On Saturday, Golding responded, saying "I am a born Jamaican and have a Jamaican passport," but did not state whether he was still a British citizen.

In a media release on Sunday, Sinclair said a direct answer from the Opposition Leader is necessary.

He said "Jamaica's aspiring head of Government being a citizen of another territory would certainly raise serious questions of loyalty and allegiance regardless of whether that territory is a member of the Commonwealth."

"The concern would apply to the constitutional role of the Leader of the Opposition. Given that the Government of Jamaica is attempting to move Jamaica towards republic status, the Leader of the Opposition is clearly conflicted and his motive for blocking the move, now open to significant question," Sinclair added.

Sinclair said it would be "grossly insincere and hypocritical" if Golding was still a British citizen when he said recently that it would be inappropriate for Jamaica "to have one foot in and one foot out of King Charles' yard".

"The PNP President should immediately indicate whether he is prepared to do right by the Jamaican people by renouncing his British citizenship which his spinning and equivocation have compelled many to now conclude that he conveniently retains," Sinclair continued.

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