Kingston, Jamaica
Mark J. Golding, MP is the current Leader of the Opposition in Jamaica and is a distinguished attorney-at-law with a comprehensive background in corporate finance, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. His academic journey began at Oxford University, where he earned first-class honours in law, later attending the Norman Manley Law School and earning the distinction of the most outstanding student in the class of 1987-89. Furthering his studies, he obtained a master's degree in commercial and corporate law from the University of London through a Commonwealth Scholarship. In 1993, Golding co-founded Jamaica's inaugural investment bank, Dehring Bunting & Golding Limited (DB&G), a trailblazer in the country's financial landscape. Despite its acquisition by the Scotia Group in 2006, Golding, alongside former DB&G colleagues, established Proven Investments Limited in January 2010, marking another successful chapter in his financial career. In addition to his corporate success, Golding served as a director for leading companies such as GraceKennedy, The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica, Kingston Wharves, and CariCris, the Caribbean Region's first credit rating agency. He chaired the Mona Rehabilitation Foundation and was a former director of Food For The Poor Jamaica. Appointed to Jamaica's Senate in September 2007, Golding's political journey began. He served as the Opposition Spokesperson on Industry & Commerce until May 2011, subsequently becoming the Shadow Minister for Justice. In January 2012, he was appointed Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Legislative Committee of Cabinet. During his four-year term, Golding led the passage of 121 Acts of Parliament, including the notable Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015, known as The 'Ganja Law,' a significant step towards marijuana decriminalization. Other legislative achievements include the Disabilities Act 2014, the Administrator-General's (Amendment) Act, 2015, and The Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2016. Elected as the Member of Parliament for South St. Andrew in 2017, Golding's political journey soared. In November 2020, he was elected President of the People's National Party (PNP) and subsequently assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition. Mark Golding's journey from legal studies at Oxford University to corporate success and political leadership exemplifies a versatile and accomplished individual. His commitment to public service, financial expertise, and legislative achievements underscore the significant impact he has had on Jamaica's development.
In 1993 the opportunity arose for me to join with two young Jamaican investment bankers to form Jamaica’s first investment bank, Dehring Bunting & Golding Limited (DB&G). The business flourished to become a leading and innovative part of Jamaica’s financial landscape. In 2006, DB&G was acquired by the Scotia Group. In January 2010, I joined with some of my former DB&G colleagues to form Proven Investments Limited, an investment company which is listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.
During my 4-year term, 121 Acts of Parliament were passed under my stewardship including the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015 aka The 'Ganja Law,’ The Disabilities Act 2014, the Administrator-General's (Amendment) Act, 2015 and The Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2016.