JAMAICA-PICA denies leaking data as controversy continues over Opposition Leader’s dual citizenship

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) says allegations regarding possible breaches of the Data Protection Act “lack merit” after it conducted reviews of its internal systems.

“PICA firmly maintains that it has not violated any data protection regulations and maintains the highest standards of information security,” it said in a statement, adding that “at PICA, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of personal data is paramount.”

PICA said it operates under a “robust framework to ensure compliance with all relevant data protection laws and regulations” and that its procedures strictly guarantee privacy and the retention of “sensitive information.”

The statement follows claims that information about the citizenship of People’s National Party (PNP) president and Opposition Leader Mark Golding was obtained through a data breach.

Golding and Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have been engaged in a war of words regarding Golding’s dual citizenship.

Golding has said neither the prime minister nor the JLP has made the issue part of the ongoing constitutional reform as the country moves towards becoming a republic.

“His proposals are, therefore, not in the report of the Constitutional Reform Committee and will not be in the new constitution coming out of that process,” Golding said in response to Holness’s television interview on the issue.

Prime Minister Holness joined the public debate regarding Golding’s dual citizenship, saying there should be no question about the undivided loyalty of any individual who wants to be or is the ultimate political leader of Jamaica.

Earlier this month, Golding, responding to questions about his citizenship, said the queries are politically motivated.

In a statement issued on X, formerly Twitter, Golding acknowledged that he got a British passport as a child but stressed that he travels on a Jamaican passport.

In its statement, PICA insists that the claims that it leaked the data are unfounded.

“We assure the public that PICA is fully committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards when handling personal data. Our dedicated team undergoes regular training to stay abreast of evolving security threats and best practices.

“This reinforces our commitment to maintaining the trust placed in us by the Jamaican people. As an agency charged with sensitive information integral to national security and immigration affairs, PICA remains vigilant in its commitment to information security.”

PICA said that as an agency that processes personal information, it is bound by “local and international regulations for security and identities” and constantly reviews and improves its security measures.

“PICA reiterates its continued commitment to maintaining the highest confidentiality, integrity, and security standards in all operations. We remain transparent and accountable and ensure that public trust in our ability to protect their data remains steadfast,” the statement added.