Above: PM Bruce Golding at the UN last year (UN Photo: Rick Bajornas)

Jamaican Senator Seeks Digital Parliament

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding did not provide further details about his decision to step down as leader of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party in November during a sitting of Parliament yesterday.

“I was sworn in as Prime Minister on September 11, 2007,” he said. “I remain Prime Minister of Jamaica and will do so for some time yet.”

He likened his decision not to make a public statement on the matter at the time to the actions of former Prime Minister Michael Manley, who announced his retirement at a People’s National Party conference in 1992.

“I do not recall that when he next appeared in Parliament, he was subject to any harassment as to the basis on which his statement was made,” he said.

Opposition Spokesperson on Finance Dr Peter Phillips said he did not think the issue was about “harassing the Prime Minister.”

According to Phillips, reports of the impending resignation had stimulated interest, and he felt a statement could clarify the issues.

–Jamaica Information Service