PNP gov't will give Jamaicans stronger voice in governance, improve accountability - Golding

Opposition Leader Mark Golding says a People's National Party (PNP) government will be one where Jamaicans have an authentic voice in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.

Jamaicans go to the polls in a general election on September 3.

Speaking at the launch of the party's manifesto on Tuesday night, Golding said the PNP is committed to participatory democracy.

“It's about giving citizens an authentic voice in the decisions that affect their lives. The PNP is committed to participatory democracy, where governance is transparent, inclusive, and accountable. We will modernise our public institutions, return power to communities, and rebuild trust in government by creating a system that delivers for the people,” said the PNP leader.

Golding, along with former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, had advanced the promise of impeachment legislation during the 2007 election campaign.

Now, four general election campaigns later, Golding is renewing the promise, noting that it has not been advanced under either administration.

As part of that governance agenda, he said the PNP will pursue a process to introduce procedures for impeachment, recall, and unexplained wealth orders.

He also said the party would continue the system of the Opposition chairing committees in Parliament.

Golding reiterated the promise to restore the Office of the Political Ombudsman as an independent body, removing it from under the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.

“We must ensure the independence and effectiveness of the Integrity Commission to enable it to pursue its statutory mandate without fear or favour, including desirable improvements such as the modification of the so-called gag clause to achieve a workable balance between protecting legitimate reputational rights and ensuring timely disclosure in the public interest,” Golding said in summary.

He also spoke about mechanisms to strengthen parliamentary oversight committees, including enabling the participation of civil society and other non-state actors for greater engagement.

Golding hinted that the Access to Information Act could be reformed to shorten the wait time for applicants.

He said the act is in need of updates, including simpler processes, shorter timelines, and a broader scope to facilitate public access to information.

A modern legal framework will also be pursued to guide access to licences, aimed at ensuring efficiency, fairness, and transparency.

The PNP is also promising to increase the monetary jurisdiction of the parish courts, making affordable justice more accessible to Jamaicans.

A public dialogue will be launched on the National Sex Offender Registry to ensure a balance between public safety and the rehabilitation of offenders, in response to public concerns.

Three pieces of legislation passed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller will be up for review: the Local Governance Act, the Local Government Financing and Financial Management Act and the Local Government Unified Service and Employment Act.

The review will focus on making necessary adjustments, followed by full enforcement of their provisions, which Golding noted has not yet happened.

“We will empower the parish development committees and community development committees to create local plans,” said Golding.

“We will shift focus from constituency politics to community development by expanding the powers of our municipal corporations to make a difference in local people’s lives. And we will establish a National People's Assembly, including Diaspora representatives, to review laws and shape policy impacting local communities. We will introduce participatory budgeting and local planning, where citizens help to decide the spending priorities, which is contemplated by the three strategic laws,” he told the launch.

Golding said Jamaicans are demanding stronger accountability in local government, linking funding to measurable performance.

“Jamaica is demanding broader inclusion, alongside greater accountability and integrity in public affairs. And the People's National Party, under my leadership, will deliver on that broad call,” he said.

- Erica Virtue

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