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Cabinet minister, Senator Matthew Samuda, says he’s started the process to renounce his British citizenship. The senator made the declaration in a statement on Thursday.
He’s also calling on the president of the People’s National Party and Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, to renounce his own British citizenship.
Chevon Campbell tells us more.
As discussions surrounding dual citizenship re-emerge in the public domain, one Jamaica Labour Party, JLP, senator has come forward. Not only admitting to having British citizenship but making public his intentions to renounce it.
Senator Mathew Samuda, a rising star in the JLP, says he is advanced in the process of renouncing his British citizenship, which he acquired at birth.
The minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Office of the Prime Minister is also seeking to enter the House of Representatives. He’s the current caretaker for North East St. Ann, after replacing incumbent MP, Marsha Smith.
The question of dual citizenship re-emerged recently when it was revealed that Opposition leader, Mark Golding, holds dual Jamaican and British citizenship.
The governing JLP, led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has been strident that no person seeking to lead Jamaica should be a dual citizen.
Senator Samuda says his move to renounce his British citizenship arose from recent conversations in the public domain. He says he’s voluntarily decided to retain only Jamaican citizenship.
Mr. Samuda is calling on the Opposition leader to do the same.
Mr. Golding has stated publicly that he would be willing to renounce his British citizenship.
However, he qualified this statement, suggesting he would do so if the matter is debated and the people determine that holders of the office of Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition should only have Jamaican citizenship.
Mr. Golding is maintaining that until then, it is unreasonable to request that he relinquish his status, which was acquired by descent.
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