“I cannot allow the challenges we face and the issues that we as a people must confront to be smothered or overpowered by this saga and the emotions that they ignite," Golding said.
"It would not be fair to my country; it would not be fair to my party,” he said.
Golding and his administration fought attempts by the United States to extradite Coke on drug and gun-trafficking charges for which he has now been convicted in an American court.
Golding resisted the request and even retained an American firm to lobby for the U.S. government to withdraw the extradition request. It took nine months before Golding eventually moved to capture Coke.
Golding and his administration fought attempts by the United States to extradite Coke on drug and gun-trafficking charges for which he has now been convicted in an American court.
Golding resisted the request and even retained an American firm to lobby for the U.S. government to withdraw the extradition request. It took nine months before Golding eventually moved to capture Coke.
In the process more than 70 people were killed in riots in Coke’s Tivoli Gardens’ stronghold, which is the Golding's constituency in the Jamaican parliament.
Golding, 63, who has spent 40 years in politics, told Jamaicans he was defending Jamaica's constitution when he stood up against the U.S. in the Coke affair. He said it was not about the Coke's guilt or innocence.
He also suggested that it was time to make way for a new generation of politicians to take charge of the JLP.
“It is time for my generation to make way for younger people whose time has come, who are more in sync with 21st century realities, whose vision can have a longer scope and who can bring new energy to the enormous tasks that confront us,” he explained.
“There are young people in my party, indeed in both parties, who are capable of providing the leadership that the country requires at this time. We must not, for the sake of personal ambition, block their emergence. My advice and counsel will always be available if and when required,” Golding said.
The Prime Minister said the last few years have been the most difficult that any government has had to face. While Jamaica pulled through the disaster better than other countries, the effects have been painful for many residents, he said.
“While the worst may have passed, we are not yet out of the woods. There are challenges that remain on many fronts that will require strong leadership to overcome and absolute confidence in the authority of that leadership,” he noted.
The JLP leader asked his party to conduct the process to elect his successor in "a mature, transparent and dignified manner" since that process could affect Jamaica's international image.
“In the past few days, I have been in contact with our major international partners and I have assured them that the direction of the government is firmly in place and that the transition will be smooth and seamless,” he said.
“The financial markets remain sober while they await the appointment of a new Prime Minister and confirmation that we will not deviate from the economic reforms on which we have embarked. In my remaining few weeks, I will continue to work as hard as I have ever done and hand over the reins of office gracefully to my successor.”
The JLP will choose a new political leader during the party’s annual general conference scheduled for November 19 and 20. That person will become Jamaica's Prime Minister and also lead the party into the next general election.
Read more in the JAMAICA OBSERVER
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