Mark Golding Brandishes “Birth Certificate” Amid Heated Debate

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Aug 29, 2025

Kingston, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Mark Golding held up a document which he claimed was his birth certificate during Thursday night’s highly anticipated Prime Ministerial debate. The dramatic gesture came as questions about his nationality and eligibility to serve as Jamaica’s head of government have intensified in recent weeks.

Golding, who has faced persistent scrutiny over his British roots and dual citizenship status, sought to silence speculation by publicly declaring that the record confirms his Jamaican birth and heritage. “This is proof,” he insisted, as he waved the document before the cameras.

The move, however, has sparked sharply divided reactions across the island. Supporters of the People’s National Party hailed the action as a bold show of transparency, arguing that Golding has nothing to hide. Critics, on the other hand, remain unconvinced, pointing out that Golding only acquired a Jamaican passport at the age of 49, and questions surrounding his dual citizenship have yet to be fully resolved.

• Renewed demands for proof: Despite Golding’s move, some critics have called for more definitive proof. Certain online groups have stated that a brief flash of a document on camera is not sufficient and have demanded to see the official, sealed, and stamped version from the Registrar General’s Department of Jamaica.
• Continued political pressure: The incident is part of ongoing political tensions in Jamaica surrounding Golding’s citizenship and eligibility. His opponents have used the issue to cast doubt on his suitability to lead the country. 

With the election season heating up, the debate over Golding’s birth status and citizenship is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Instead, the issue now stands at the centre of the political firestorm, fueling partisan arguments on both sides and raising critical questions about identity, nationality, and leadership in Jamaica’s democracy.