Opposition Leader Mark Golding Admits to Being a British Citizen

Opposition leader Mark Golding disclosed that he is a British citizen, sparking a debate on the matter. Golding’s admission raises questions on the eligibility of individuals with dual citizenship to hold public office in the country or being the Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Golding wrote on his Instagram page,

I am a born Jamaican and have a Jamaican passport. 🇯🇲
I’ve never hidden the fact that my father, who came to Jamaica from the UK, had got me a British passport when I was a young child.
From before first serving in government, I travel on my Jamaican passport when I go abroad. Like other Jamaicans, I apply for visas from countries such as the US and UK to go there.

I man born yah, but the local government elections and recent polls seem to be driving some to grasp at straws.

Now, back to the issue of constitutional reform. Jamaica is in the Commonwealth, and our current constitution requires Commonwealth citizenship (and at least one year’s residence in Jamaica) in order to be eligible to be a parliamentarian. Over the years, parliamentary candidates with Commonwealth passports have therefore legitimately participated in general elections to become MP’s and sat in the Senate.

On the other hand, the current constitution prohibits non-Commonwealth citizens (who have pledged foreign allegiance) from being parliamentarians.

The constitutional reform process should reconsider the current rule, and make it accord with the realities of the Jamaican experience.

Mark J Golding

Golding admission came after dancehall artiste Mr. Vegas questioned his citizenship status. Vegas wrote, In a post on social media, Mr Vegas posed a potent question to Golding. “Are you a citizen of Britain? If yes, then you are a subject of the King of England. How then are you saying you want full decolonization but are a subject of the King and that we can’t have one foot in and one foot out?” Vegas asked.

Golding argues that our current constitution requires Commonwealth citizenship (and at least one year’s residence in Jamaica) in order to be eligible to be a parliamentarian. Over the years, parliamentary candidates with Commonwealth passports have therefore legitimately participated in general elections to become MP’s and sat in the Senate. Nevertheless, advocating for complete decolonization and the establishment of Jamaica as a full Republic, while being a British citizen calls into question Golding legitimacy and credibility of being a Prime Minister of Jamaica and eventually the President. Lastly, a full decolonization will most likely obsolete the current constitution and making it impossible for a person with dual citizenship to hold political office.

Is it really plausibly to consider that Mark Golding would position himself as the President of a Jamaica Republic while retaining a British passport and a British subject?

The audacity to hold onto a British passport while leading a nation striving to break free from colonial shackles is not only contradictory, it’s downright scandalous! If Golding has a British passport, it’s high time for him to step aside – how can one possibly champion decolonization while clinging to colonial remnants? Vegas isn’t just suggesting; he’s demanding accountability and authentic leadership!