Opposition Leader Mark Golding and his Team Walked Parliament Sparks Controversy

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Oct 22, 2025

Tensions flared in Parliament on Tuesday after Opposition Leader Mark Golding and his team abruptly walked out of the House during a session addressing matters related to Tropical Storm Melissa.

According to reports, the incident began after Minister Matthew Samuda, who has responsibility for Water, Environment and Climate Change, gave a statement in the House on the Government’s preparedness for the approaching storm. Opposition Spokesman on Climate Change, Omar Newell, responded with a brief statement of his own, after which the floor was opened for questions.

The first question came from Member of Parliament Brown from St. Mary. However, Speaker of the House Juliet Holness repeatedly reminded him that his question was out of order and directed to the wrong Minister. Samuda, she noted, does not hold responsibility for the National Works Agency (NWA) and therefore could not respond.

Despite being reminded three times that the session was open for questions only — not commentary — and that questions must be directed to the appropriate Minister, the disruptions continued. When Opposition Leader Mark Golding was given the floor, he too began making a statement rather than asking a question. The Speaker, in keeping with parliamentary rules and long-standing precedent, muted his microphone — a practice she has applied to members on both sides of the aisle, including the Prime Minister.

Speaker of the House, Juliet Holness, explained the walk-out by Opposition Leader Mark Golding and his Team.

“Before the adjournment of the House today, Speaker, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness made a statement about the unfortunate and unprofessional actions of the Opposition which insisted on breaching the Standing Orders.”

Golding, visibly displeased, led his Opposition members in walking out of the chamber.

Following the walkout, Golding took to social media to share his version of events, writing:

“Democracy under strain: Just now in Parliament, Opposition MPs were repeatedly silenced, microphones cut, questions on disaster preparedness shut down, and members ordered to sit. After having his mic cut while trying to state this blatant disregard for accountability, Opposition Leader Mark Golding and his team walked out.”

The move has since sparked debate about parliamentary decorum, accountability, and the boundaries of the Speaker’s authority during heated exchanges in the House.