Mark J. Golding

President of the PNP, Leader of the Opposition, MP for St. Andrew South, Proud Jamaican 🇯🇲, husband and father

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Congratulations to Prime Minister-elect Dickon Mitchell, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on winning a second term in Grenada!

This is a victory for the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and a powerful victory for progressive politics in the Caribbean.

The people have spoken clearly. They have chosen leadership that puts people first, that believes in fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all, and that governs with heart and integrity.

Democracy wins when people are free to choose their future, and Grenada has chosen to continue on the path of progress.

On behalf of the People's National Party, I extend warm congratulations to Prime Minister Mitchell and the NDC. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a stronger, fairer, and more united Caribbean.

Congratulations Grenada! 🇬🇩

[Jamaica Observer @JamaicaObserver]

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has provided an account of the events that led to Tuesday’s parliamentary uproar, explaining that the Opposition’s protest was triggered by what he described as the Government’s abuse of parliamentary procedures to shut down debate on a censure motion concerning Jamaica’s position on Cuba.

Golding said the confrontation followed the Government’s decision to bring the debate to an early close without allowing the Opposition an opportunity to contribute to the motion it had tabled.
https://t.co/26bxpML0MF

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Heartiest congratulations to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke on her resounding victory in New York’s 9th Congressional District!

This tremendous mandate is a testament to the confidence her constituents have in her leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to public service.

Yvette is also the daughter of two distinguished Jamaicans, Leslie and Una Clarke, whose legacy and values are reflected in her remarkable journey and achievements.

As Jamaicans, we take immense pride in her continued success and the outstanding contribution she makes to public life.

Wishing her every success as she continues to serve and represent her constituents with distinction.

Congratulations, Yvette!

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

They turned off our mics again.

On Tuesday evening in Parliament, Anthony Hylton opened the debate on OUR censure motion regarding Jamaica's shameful abstention on Cuba at the UN.

Minister Floyd Green responded.

Then, without allowing me or anyone else on our side to speak on our OWN motion, the Speaker approved a motion from the Government to bring the debate to a close.

Make that make sense. We were not allowed to speak on the motion WE brought.

As I said in the House, we have a right to speak and we have to shout to be heard because The Speaker was not allowing us to speak. I made no negative remarks towards the Speaker. I even called for a divide which she acknowledged.

When we stood up and said we want to be speak the Speaker instead adjourned the sitting.

We will not be bullied. Jamaica deserves a Parliament where the Opposition is heard.

#MarkGolding #Parliament #Democracy #LetUsSpeak

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Jamaica abstained on Cuba at the UN. For the first time in decades, we turned our backs on our closest neighbour.

On October 28, the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica abandoned decades of bipartisan practice and failed to support Cuba's call for an end to the US embargo.

This is the same Cuba that built Jose Marti, GC Foster, and Garvey Maceo, sent doctors and nurses to our rural clinics, and gave Jamaicans free eye surgery when they needed it most.

As Mark Golding and Senator Donna Scott Mottley make clear, this abstention was debated in Parliament just a day before with NO signal from the Government that they would break tradition. Sitting on the fence is not diplomacy, it is cowardice, and it is not the wish of the Jamaican people.

Watch and share. Jamaica must stand for sovereignty and true friendship.

#Cuba #UNVote #JamaicaForeignPolicy

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Last Wednesday, I visited the temporary shelter at Petersfield High School, where I met 67-year-old Pauline Williams, who has been displaced since Hurricane Melissa destroyed her home.

During our conversation, Pauline made a simple request. She needed a stove and two pots so she could prepare her own meals.

I listened, and I made sure that request did not go unanswered.

Yeseterday, I handed over the stove and two pots to Member of Parliament Dwayne Vaz for delivery to Pauline.

No one should have to spend nearly a year living in a shelter without the basic means to prepare a meal for themselves. Behind every statistic about recovery is a person, a family and a story that deserves our attention.

Pauline deserves dignity, comfort and the opportunity to rebuild her life. We must never lose sight of the people behind the recovery numbers.

#PeopleFirst #HurricaneMelissa #Jamaica

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Jamaica’s civil servants have served this nation with dedication, under successive administrations. The Prime Minister is out of order to be blaming hard working public servants for his Government's own failures and project delays.

He has put forward no specific allegations, and no evidence of sabotage. He should stop chasing windmills and acknowledge his government’s glaring non-performance. When projects fail to deliver, and when relief does not reach the people, that is a failure of leadership, for which he is accountable.

I stand with our public servants. It is time for this Government to stop making excuses and start doing the work.

Watch my response on TVJ Prime Time News.

#MarkGolding #LeadershipMatters #Jamaica

[PNP Jamaica @JamaicaPNP]

The PNP is questioning the timing and demanding full disclosure over the transfer of Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison.

A 37 year veteran of the Ministry of Finance reassigned to a newly created Ministry during Budget Call. Is this a demotion without cause? What are the real reasons?

Watch the full story on TVJ News.

#TVJNews #JulianRobinson #Jamaica #PNP

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

I encourage everyone to click the link and read this article by Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson on Jamaica’s unprecedented abstention on the UN resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba.

It is a disgrace that on 28 October 2026, the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic damage to our island home, the current Government of Jamaica resiled from our finest traditions of standing for law, justice, and sovereign equality.

The Jamaican people must hold this Government accountable for this spineless betrayal of principles that had been steadfastly upheld by successive governments for over three decades.

[Jamaica Gleaner @JamaicaGleaner]

The Government of Jamaica’s abstention from the United Nations General Assembly vote to lift the United States embargo against Cuba amounts to an “abominable betrayal” that stains the country’s record of standing up against oppression.

Read more: https://t.co/nVdA4LIhF5

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Today marks one year since Hurricane Melissa struck New Hope, Westmoreland as a Category 5 storm.

The most powerful storm to ever hit Jamaica.

45 lives lost. 24,000 homes lost entirely. 156,000 damaged. Nearly 600,000 of our people affected.

One year later, I have walked those communities in Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Hanover and Trelawny. I have heard your stories. Too many of you are still living under tarpaulin, still waiting for help.

The ROOFS programme has failed to deliver as it should have. The dashboard never materialised. Donated funds sat idle while families suffered. This is not acceptable.

To everyone still waiting for relief and a restored livelihood, you have not been forgotten. You are not alone.

The PNP stands with you. We will keep fighting for accountability and for a recovery that actually reaches your door.

Jamaica has not forgotten the West. I have not forgotten you.

#MelissaOneYearLater

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

I extend warmest congratulations to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his unprecedented re-election to a fourth term as President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. 🇧🇷

President Lula's victory is a victory for democracy, social justice and the people of Brazil. It is a powerful statement that progress, inclusion and hope can prevail over division.

On behalf of the Opposition and the many Jamaicans who celebrate this result, I join in saluting the people of Brazil for their historic reaffirmation of democracy. We look forward to Jamaica continuing to build friendship and cooperation with Brazil and across the Global South, as we work together for a more just and sustainable world.

Parabéns, Presidente Lula!

A critical victory for Brazil, the Hemisphere and the World.

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Derrick Harriott.

Derrick was a true pioneer of Jamaican music. Though his major influence was as a producer, generating numerous hits that remain household favourites, he also made his mark as a singer with lasting hits like “I was born a loser”, “Born to love you”, “Go away dream” and “I’m your puppet”. A musical visionary, he helped shape ska, rocksteady and reggae and carried our culture to the world with excellence and originality. His contributions to our musical heritage are immense and enduring.

For decades, through his music and through the Derrick Harriott Music Store, he nurtured talent, preserved our sound and inspired generations.

I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and to the wider music fraternity. May his soul rest in peace and may his music live on. 🕊️

📷: United Reggae

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

I hear you Jamaica. 🇯🇲

I have seen all your messages and the videos about the opening hours for bars hours changing and I know many of you are worried. A bar is more than a place to lime, it is how you feed your family and keep your community going.

So here are the facts. Nothing has been Gazetted. No Bill has come to Parliament. I have seen nor heard no plan to cut your hours.

When I had the chance to act on this before, in 2012 as your Minister of Justice, I did the opposite. I amended the law to give you more hours, more time to earn and more money in your pocket.

Watch the video, share it with a fellow bar owner who mat be worried, and keep your messages coming. I am listening and I will keep fighting for you.

#SpiritLicenceAct #PutPeopleFirst #MarkGolding

[PNP Jamaica @JamaicaPNP]

An economy that works for the future and for the people!

Senator Cleveland Tomlinson, Deputy Opposition Spokesperson on Productivity, Efficiency and Competitiveness, will make his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Tune in as he outlines his vision for a more productive, competitive and inclusive Jamaican economy that delivers opportunities for all.
#stateofthenation #scenesfromthesenate @CTomlinsonJA

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

This morning, on National Heroes’ Day, I had the honour of laying a wreath at the memorial of the Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley, ONH, MM, QC, National Hero of Jamaica.

Rhodes Scholar. Decorated soldier. One of the finest legal minds this region has ever produced. Yet Norman Manley chose to give his brilliance to the cause of his people.

In 1938, out of the struggles of the working class, he joined with fellow patriots to found the People’s National Party, a movement that would carry Jamaica toward universal adult suffrage, self-government, and nationhood. As Chief Minister and later Premier, he helped lay the foundations of the Jamaica we know today.

He stands among the fathers of this nation, and among the founding fathers of our noble movement.

Today we honour all our National Heroes, whose courage and sacrifice shaped who we are. Their work is not finished. It lives on in every Jamaican still striving for justice, opportunity, and dignity.

We stand on their shoulders. We carry the torch forward. 🇯🇲

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Our National Heroes did more than challenge the injustices of their time. They laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy and showed us what courage, sacrifice and determination can achieve. As we honour their legacy, we must also ask ourselves: What kind of Jamaica are we building for the next generation?

This National Heroes Day, let us recommit to building a Jamaica where every citizen has a fair opportunity to live with dignity, fulfil their potential and contribute to our nation's progress. Our heroes did their part. Now, it is our responsibility to carry their work forward.

Happy National Heroes Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

It was an honour to read the Scripture at this morning's National Heritage Week Church Service.

As we celebrate our heritage and honour our National Heroes, let us give thanks for the faith, courage and sacrifice that built this nation.

We also keep in prayer all those still trying to rebuild their lives and homes a year after Hurricane Melissa.

May God continue to guide and bless Jamaica, land we love.

#HeritageWeek #NationalHeroesDay #Jamaica #OneJamaica

[Mark J. Golding @MarkJGolding]

Why Is NaRRA About Legacy Projects And Not Hurricane Melissa Recovery?

Opposition Leader Mark Golding asked the question in Parliament on April 21, 2026 that Jamaica is asking today.

We recognize the need for special efforts to rebuild Jamaica after the terrible damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa. Jamaicans continue to suffer from inadequate shelter, damaged housing, and small businesses that have lost everything.

The Government's ROOF program with its $10 billion allocation is inadequate in scope and depth, and many who need help cannot even access it.

But NARRA is not about providing solutions to the present needs of those people who are suffering.

NARRA is really a revamped attempt to inject higher levels of growth into the economy after a decade of failure to do so.

Look at the Bill itself. Other than the preamble, there is no reference in the Bill to Melissa or to any hurricane.

If NARA was truly about hurricane recovery, why are its projects the 4 new hospitals and other legacy projects that have nothing to do with rebuilding what Melissa destroyed?

Why is NARRA about legacy projects and not Hurricane Melissa recovery?

#HurricaneMelissa #NARRA #MarkGolding

[PNP Jamaica @JamaicaPNP]

WATCH: Senator Cleveland Tomlinson exposes the NaRRA bait and switch on CVM Lead Story*

Last night on CVM, Senator Tomlinson put it plain and simple.

A year after Hurricane Melissa, recovery has been slow, lethargic, disjointed and fragmented. Homes in Westmoreland, South St James, Hanover and Trelawny have not been rebuilt. Critical infrastructure is still waiting.

Yet NaRRA, which was sold to Jamaicans as a special purpose entity to coordinate hurricane recovery, is now being loaded with legacy projects that have nothing to do with the hurricane.

Four new hospitals. Projects that this Government failed to deliver in 10 years, now being pushed through NaRRA to avoid the normal system.

And who is paying the price? 🚨

The NaRRA CEO is being paid more than the Prime Minister who runs the country, while Jamaicans still do not know the staff complement of NaRRA, what has been built, or what recovery has actually taken place since the CEO took office on June 1.

The Bill was rushed through Parliament in May with a defective governance structure, and five months later, nothing substantial has been done.

NaRRA was supposed to rebuild Jamaica after the hurricane. Instead, it is being used to rebuild this Government's legacy.

#NaRRAExposed #HurricaneRecovery #Accountability @CTomlinsonJA