Senator Gayle Chides Golding for ‘Misleading’ Comments to the Diaspora

President General of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, BITU, Senator Kavan Gayle, is chiding Opposition Leader Mark Golding for what he says are his misleading and irresponsible statements to the Jamaican diaspora in the United States.

Senator Gayle says it’s unfortunate that during his recent visit to the US, Mark Golding failed to acknowledge major positive developments in Jamaica.

More in this report from Daina Davy.

Mark Golding told the Jamaican diaspora in Florida last week that corruption is a major issue in Jamaica. He alleged that the government had incurred billions of dollars in cost overruns on a number of projects.

Mr. Golding cited nearly $20 billion in cost overruns on the Cornwall Regional Hospital Renovation project as evidence to support his argument.

But Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has since rubbished those claims.

In his sectoral presentation last week, Dr. Tufton pointed out that the $20 billion cited in the budget include expenditures on several health facilities.

These include the Noel Holmes Hospital, the Mount Salem Clinic, and several other health projects, including the re-scoping of the Cornwall Regional Rehabilitation Initiative.

The President General of the JLP affiliate BITU is not amused by what he says is Golding’s irresponsible conduct.

Senator Gayle says it’s regrettable that during his diaspora visit, the opposition leader chose to ignore the fact that the government has created an environment conducive to major investment.

The BITU boss says the government has also made major progress in the area of employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Senator Gayle says Mark Golding’s statements in the United States is a lesson in how global platforms ought not to be used by political leaders.

Senator Kavan Gayle, President General of the BITU.