Opposition Leader Mark Golding has scoffed at suggestions that Lisa Hanna, the member of parliament for South East St Ann, has decided to leave representational politics due to internal conflict within the People’s National Party (PNP).

“It has to do with Lisa’s own issues and where she wants to go with her life,” Golding, the president of the PNP, shared during an appearance yesterday (August 10) on Television Jamaica’s morning show, Smile Jamaica.

“The unity we have been building is real and we have all committed ourselves to making it stronger,” he added.

“Everybody is coming together and creating a positive energy that we’re all enjoying.”

On Tuesday (August 9), Hanna wrote a letter to the party president in which she indicated that she has decided not to seek a fifth term in office when the next general elections are called.

Hanna however said she would complete her current term, which is constitutionally due to end in 2025.

When asked how he felt about Hanna’s impending departure, Golding shared that he supported the MP’s personal decision and both still have a great relationship.

“It’s been a while coming,” the Opposition Leader further detailed. “I was aware of some of the problems she has been facing.”

Golding said he continued to hold Hanna in high regard and that he was pleased she would continue as spokesperson for foreign affairs and foreign trade, sharing that they work well together on those matters.

He praised the MP for what he said were her tremendous efforts in the past and wished her the best in all her future endeavours.

Golding’s comments come almost two years after a contentious 2020 campaign, to replace Dr Peter Phillips as PNP president, which saw Hanna losing a close battle.

At the time, and for several months following, the party was bitterly divided, and it remains unclear whether the wounds have properly healed behind the scenes.