Golding leaves island to treat back problem

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) officials this afternoon confirmed reports that its former leader and former prime minister, Bruce Golding left the island this morning to seek medical treatment for a back problem.

The Gleaner/Power 106 News understands that Mr Golding has been ailing with the problem for years, but the problem worsened in the last two months. He has already had two corrective surgeries and may undergo a third operation in Florida.

In a brief statement put out by the JLP communications team this afternoon, the party wished the former leader a speedy recovery and promised to update the public on new developments.

Mr Golding quit as party leader and prime minister last November, a year premature of his five-year administration, after a long and scathing extradition debacle involving convicted Tivoli Gardens’ don, Christopher “Dudus” Coke.

Mr Golding was succeeded by Andrew Holness, the former education minister, but the party lost the December general election, which followed, to the People’s National Party.

Mr Golding has maintained a low profile since demitting office.