Mark Golding draws the line against wrongdoers in party hierarchy
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 4:44 PM
Opposition Leader Mark Golding says he intends to lead an executive with a zero-tolerance policy, asserting that wrongdoers will be booted.
Golding made the comment during a People’s National Party (PNP) meeting in Stewart Town in the St Mary Western constituency on Sunday, where he presented Omar Woodbine as the standard-bearer for the general election due by September.
Charged by the support of party faithful, Golding continued on what has now become a predictable talking point, that the country needs a government with integrity and a prime minister who has been cleared by the Integrity Commission (IC).
The PNP president said, too, that the country needs a prime minister who has signed the anti-corruption body’s code of conduct along with members of his government.
Arguing that Prime Minister Andrew Holness is not in good standing with the IC, Golding said his administration has taken an “antagonistic” approach towards the body.
“It is a disgrace to Jamaica that our head of government is in that position. If it was me in that position, me woulda tek weh meself. I wouldn’t have the effrontery to say I must continue to run the country when my thing nuh straight,” Golding said to cheering Comrades.
Noting that the country has entered an election year, Golding said Jamaicans get to decide whether they are moving forward with a new government in a new direction, pointing at the same time to the high cost of living and sluggish industries.
He told supporters that a lot of work will need to be done but that the PNP is up to the task.
“And we’ll be approaching it with clean hands and a clean heart and, if any guy miss, him naah go really go far wid me because mi nuh inna the hanky-panky business,” said Golding.
“Comrades, all I can say to you is let us put in the effort; the time is politically good, flowing in our direction. We must put any likkle ‘isms and skisms aside; any likkle personality conflict in us and each other and make sure that we work together and deliver the victory,” said Golding.
In the meantime, he accused the Government of selling future assets to secure funds for election goodies, pointing to the US$480 million it will receive following the placement of a bond in international capital markets.
The bond was upsized from US$440 million. It spans 12 years and will pay interest of 6.75 per cent.
“They’re selling future assets and 12 years of income from the Norman Manley International Airport and they’re spending it on trying to win an election on gimmicks and feel-good policies that won’t last.
“So, they’re taking future income for present-day satisfaction. That is poor fiscal management. And they talking about selling equity in TransJamaican Highway to fund them budget again. I want to hear what their plans are to make sure that those resources build human capital so that tomorrow can be better than today for the Jamaican people. We don’t hear nothing from them yet,” Golding said.