Golding Shows Birth Certificate, Sparks Debate on Dual Citizenship

Kingston, Jamaica – People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding addressed questions about his renounced British citizenship during Thursday night’s high-stakes leadership debate, producing a copy of his birth certificate for all to see. Golding said he also had a copy ready for Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

During the debate, CVM Television’s Giovanni Dennis asked Golding why he had never openly acknowledged his dual nationality and whether Jamaicans could trust him to be forthcoming on uncomfortable issues. Golding responded that he had always acknowledged his dual citizenship when relevant.

“I was born in Jamaica, I had a British father, and I inherited British citizenship by descent from him; that’s lawful under Jamaican law, and parliamentarians are permitted to hold dual nationality,” he explained.

Golding added that he chose to renounce his British citizenship in August last year, following an internal poll in which the majority of respondents indicated he should do so.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness pushed back, calling the timing of Golding’s renunciation “strange.” He argued that “a man who wants to represent his country must choose his country. He doesn’t need to ask anyone,” emphasizing that true Jamaican commitment comes from choices made to support the nation, not just the place of birth.

The exchange highlighted one of the most contentious issues of the election campaign, as both leaders sparred over questions of national loyalty, transparency, and public trust.