Young Jamaica. The youth arm of the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is urging People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding to reveal whether a company involved in a tax-exemption controversy contributed to the PNP’s campaign for the 2025 general election.
In a statement titled “The Public Has a Right to Know,” the organization Young Jamaica called on Mark Golding to disclose any donations made by JACDEN to the PNP between January 2022 and September 2025.
JACDEN is a Group of Companies, that specialize in healthcare and janitorial service. It is one of four companies highlighted in a report by the Auditor General’s Department. The report concerns the University Hospital of the West Indies’ (UHWI) alleged misuse of its tax-exempt status, a topic that has also drawn responses from Young Jamaica seeking further investigation.
The report stated that UHWI misused its tax-exempt status to import goods for private companies. As a result, this led to total losses of $23.1 million. Meanwhile, Young Jamaica raised questions about accountability in the wake of these findings.
JACDEN is owned by businessman Dennis Gordon, who is a Member of Parliament and the chairman of the PNP’s Region Three. This region is one of the party’s most influential organizational divisions. In fact, it covers Kingston and St Andrew. Notably, Young Jamaica has paid special attention to the involvement of party officials in this matter.
Amid increasing public pressure, Golding announced on Sunday that Gordon would resign from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which examines the country’s finances. He will also resign from the shadow cabinet, pending an investigation by the party’s Integrity Commission. Furthermore, the developments have remained a focal point for Young Jamaica and its supporters.
Golding emphasized that he is not aware of any evidence suggesting that Gordon or JACDEN has violated any laws, even as Young Jamaica continues to press for answers from the party leadership.
However, Young Jamaica has characterized Golding’s defense as “disgraceful, unacceptable, indefensible, and repugnant.” They also expressed that they were “not surprised” by the position taken by the PNP president. In light of these statements, Young Jamaica has maintained a strong stance in ongoing political debates.
Additionally, Young Jamaica has called for Dennis Gordon to resign as the Member of Parliament for St. Andrew East Central and as the PNP Region Three chairman. They stated, “A mere recusal from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Shadow Cabinet does not nearly suffice.” The public continues to watch Young Jamaica and its advocacy closely.