JLP youth arm demands Golding explain 'delay' in certification of 2024 income filing

The youth arm of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is demanding that Opposition Leader Mark Golding provide a full public explanation on the certification status of his 2024 income and asset filing with the Integrity Commission.

Young Jamaica, in a statement issued Thursday, described as "implausible and fanciful" Golding's suggestion that staffing problems at the Integrity Commission may be responsible for the prolonged delay in the certification of his statutory declaration. 

"Young Jamaica finds this explanation unsatisfactory and insufficient to account for the prolonged delay in the certification process," the group said.

When quizzed on the matter at a People's National Party news conference on April 14, Golding pointed to an impasse over appointments at the Integrity Commission that he said had disrupted its operations.

"You'll recall last year that there was a protracted period when the Integrity Commission didn't have certain personnel in place as a result of the tenure of existing officers coming to an end,” he told journalists. 

“And there was some kind of impasse that delayed the appointments of their successors. And, that, I think has caused some delay in their operations. So, that's where that is. I can't comment any further on that." 

However, Young Jamaica argued that the explanation was insufficient, noting that the Integrity Commission is mandated by law to publish notices confirming the certification of statutory declarations submitted by both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. 

Appointments to several key positions at the Integrity Commission were delayed for months last year due to a reported standoff between the Commission and the Office of the Governor General. Two key posts were subsequently filled in October 2025. 

Based on previous publication dates, Golding's 2024 filing was expected to have been published in late 2025.

The group also drew a contrast with the situation surrounding Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who has challenged aspects of the Integrity Commission’s investigation into his 2021 statutory declaration, which has not been certified. 

Young Jamaica noted that the issue remains before the judiciary and is subject to the sub judice principle, which restricts discussions on matters before the court. 

"No such legal proceedings have been cited by Golding as an explanation for the outstanding certification of his declarations," Young Jamaica said.

Young Jamaica called on Golding "to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding this matter and to address the concerns that have arisen in the interest of transparency and public accountability.

The law bars the Integrity Commission from making public comments about filings. 

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