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Bruce Golding

Jamaican Prime Minister
Bruce Golding
In a HARDtalk interview shown on 20th May 2008, Stephen Sackur talks to Jamaica's Prime Minister Bruce Golding.


With an average of three murders a day and the police themselves accused of murder and corruption, Jamaica is one of the worlds most murderous countries.

A recent Amnesty International report found that gangs settle disputes, trying, sentencing and punishing offenders, with no government interference.

"Poor inner city Jamaicans are paying for this public security crisis with their lives," said Fernanda Doz Costa, Amnesty International researcher on Jamaica.

Efforts to relieve poverty and crackdown on crime are hampered by Jamaica's enormous debt. Earlier this year the country's overall debt hit the $1 trillion mark for the first time, making it the fourth most indebted country in the world.

Bruce Golding has pledged to give more independence to Jamaica's central bank, to tackle crime and corruption, and to draft a new charter of fundamental rights.

Stephen Sackur asks Jamaica's new Prime Minster, Bruce Golding if he can rescue his country?

HARDtalk is broadcast on BBC World News at 03:30 GMT, 08:30 GMT, 14:30 GMT, 20:30 GMT and 22:30 GMT.

Hardtalk can also be seen on BBC News at 04:30 & 23:30.

video and audio news
What are the new Prime Minister’s plans to solve the growing crime problem in Jamaica?


What can be done to sever the links between party politics and corruption, and how serious is the problem?


Jamaica gives homosexuals equality before the law. But would Bruce Golding ever appoint a homosexual to his Cabinet?




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