Tuesday, 20 May 2008 The international spotlight has again been turned on Jamaica and the controversial issue of homophobia.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding who is in the United Kingdom (UK) on an official visit was grilled on the topic when he appeared on the top-rated BBC television talk show "Hard Talk" Monday night.

Mr. Golding was questioned about Jamaica's reputation of being the most homophobic country in the world and the administration's response to the matter.

He made it clear that while each Jamaican should have the right to privacy and equality before the law, the Government would not bow to international pressure for the recognition of gay rights.

"Jamaica is not going allow values to be imposed on it from outside. We're going to have to determine that ourselves and we're going to have to determine to what extent those values will adapt over time to change, change in perception, change in understanding as to how people live."

Mr. Golding said Jamaica's standards and morals will be defined or determined by lobby groups that are far away from Jamaica.

No homosexuals in the House

Questioned about statements he made in the past that homosexuals would not be allowed to serve in his Cabinet, Mr. Golding insisted that he would not change that view.

"That's a decision that I made ... that every Prime Minister makes. A Prime Minister must decide what he feels will represent to the Jamaican people a Cabinet of Ministers who will be able to discharge their responsibilities without fear, without favour, without intimidation. That's a choice that I had and I made that choice," said Prime Minister Goldin.

Mr. Golding who is on a one-week visit to the UK is to meet with Prime Minister Gordon Brown Tuesday.

He is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Sunday.

Hard Talk Interview With PM Golding.

PART 1

PART FEW

PART 3

-- Edited by pengo at 14:10, 2008-05-20