Young Jamaica calls on Golding to explain status of 2024 statutory declaration

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Young Jamaica, the youth arm of the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), is calling on Opposition Leader and President of the People's National Party (PNP), Mark Golding, to provide an explanation regarding the status of his 2024 Statutory Declaration, which, it noted, has not yet been certified by the Integrity Commission.In April this year, when questioned during a media briefing about the absence of certification, Golding reportedly attributed the matter to alleged “staffing issues” at the Integrity Commission.Young Jamaica said it considers that explanation insufficient to account for the delay in the certification process.The organisation also questioned Golding's explanation for what it described as a two-year delay, noting that the Integrity Commission is mandated by law to publish notices confirming the certification of the statutory declarations submitted by both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.Young Jamaica further noted that it is a matter of public record that Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has challenged aspects of the Integrity Commission's handling of his statutory declarations through the courts. That matter remains before the judiciary and is therefore subject to the sub judice principle.The group pointed out that no similar legal proceedings have been cited by Golding as an explanation for the outstanding certification of his declarations.Young Jamaica said it is therefore urging Golding to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding the matter and address concerns that have arisen in the interest of transparency and public accountability.