Public Commentator Defends Golding’s Stance on Dual Citizenship

Public commentator Peter Espeut is dismissing the argument that Opposition Leader Mark Golding lied by omission when he refused to declare that he is indeed a British citizen.

Mr. Espeut made the comment on Nationwide at Five on Monday.

Mahiri Stewart has the details.

PNP President Mark Golding has repeatedly faced calls to declare the status of his citizenship, in light of his position that dual citizens be allowed to sit as MPs.

He finally admitted to being a British citizen in an interview with the Gleaner newspaper. Mr. Golding is a Jamaican citizen by birth and a UK citizen by descent. 

Some stakeholders believe Mr. Golding’s refusal to declare his dual citizenship is disqualifying. But Peter Espeut says Mr. Golding simply didn’t tell the whole truth. 

Mr. Espeut believes that Mr. Golding’s initial refusal to declare his citizenship status is not enough to support calls for him to step aside as opposition leader. 

According to Mr. Espeut, the rights of dual citizens will have to change once Jamaica becomes a republic. 

Meanwhile, Chairman of Jamaicans for Justice, John Clarke, says the question about whether People’s National Party president Mark Golding lied by omission about his dual citizenship is inherently political. 

Mr. Clarke believes the Jamaican electorate will determine whether Golding’s refusal to declare his dual citizenship is disqualifying.

John Clarke, Board Chairman of Jamaicans for Justice. He was also speaking on Nationwide at Five on Monday.