Mark Golding, Jamaica’s Opposition Leader, recently addressed inquiries about his citizenship, asserting, “I am a born Jamaican and have a Jamaican passport.” However, he did not clarify whether he still holds British citizenship.
Questions regarding Golding’s citizenship surfaced following his suggestion to reconsider the constitutional rule that prevents certain members of the Jamaican diaspora from sitting in Parliament. This proposal led to calls from various quarters, including Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, urging Golding to disclose whether he is still a British citizen.
Both Golding’s parents were from England, and he held British citizenship as a child.
In a social media post on X, Golding explained, “I’ve never hidden the fact that my father, who came to Jamaica from the UK, got me a British passport when I was a young child.”
He emphasized that he has been using his Jamaican passport for years, adding, “Like other Jamaicans, I apply for visas from countries such as the US and UK to go there. I was born here, but the local government elections and recent polls seem to be driving some to grasp at straws.”
Vaz responded to Golding’s post, saying, “Lol ARE YOU A BRITISH CITIZEN… 3 or 2 letters can clear this up.”
Everald Warmington, the JLP’s MP for St. Catherine South West, also urged Golding to clarify his British citizenship status. Although the Supreme Court previously ruled that Jamaicans who are also citizens of other Commonwealth countries can serve in Parliament, Warmington argued that Golding faces a moral dilemma if he holds British citizenship, given his aspiration to lead Jamaica.
Mark Golding bats for Diaspora members in Parliament
Amid the controversy, Mark Golding has advocated for allowing Jamaicans with non-Commonwealth citizenship to seek political office, suggesting that diaspora members wanting to return and contribute should not be barred from eligibility.
“My position is that dual citizenship should not be a bar to service. That’s my own view, and I think the party will continue to have discussions on this,” said Golding.
Under the current Jamaican constitution, Commonwealth citizens must reside in Jamaica for at least one year to be eligible for Parliament. Golding pointed out that while Commonwealth passport holders have participated in general elections and served as MPs or Senators, non-Commonwealth citizens with foreign allegiance (such as United States citizens) are prohibited.
Golding said the constitutional reform process should reconsider the current rule and make it in accord with the realities of the Jamaican experience.
Several JLP MPs, including Daryl Vaz and Everald Warmington, who previously held dual Jamaican and US citizenship, had to renounce their US citizenship and contest by-elections to remain in Parliament, doing so in 2009 and 2011 respectively.
Read: Mark Golding Blasts JLP for Idea Theft as PNP Extends Lead in Polls
