From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Mark Wignall
Thursday, March 11, 2010
COLLEAGUE columnist Ken Chaplin's excellent Tuesday column, "Dudus, US Govt, interception of information", in explaining that Prime Minister Golding was acting on solid ground in refusing the extradition based on evidence gathered through a breach of Dudus's constitutional right -- his phone was tapped without the required judicial authorisation -- wrote, "The law... requires that for intercepted communication to be admissible in any criminal proceedings, it must have been obtained, disclosed and used in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Golding said that this was not done."
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"
To me, one part of the problem that has cropped up with the understanding of the extradition treaty is, which parts of it are, prior to granting an extradition request, legally determinable in Jamaica and by what process? On the other side, which conditions of the treaty is it that empowers the Americans the right to render us speechless, that is, we must just sign and give up the person without further ado?
I have never been one of those who believe that the prime minister should never have involved himself in the delicate matter of the Dudus extradition request. Hell, whether the prime minister wanted to or not, he was involved."
"Of the 26 extradition requests received since he became prime minister, he has had no occasion (except for Dudus) to go full frontal in supporting any other person's "constitutional right". So the very fact that he has come out in such strong support of Dudus, it ought to mean that he has taken legal advice from the highest levels before committing himself and is convinced that his legs are sturdy.
If, based on the treaty, it was determined that the American outfit which obtained evidence did so by the illegal wiretaps of phones, must we surmise that all the Americans say they have on Dudus is a file of telephone transcripts and the actual recordings? We would be naïve to believe that."
&
"We must bear in mind that the Americans are not under any romantic illusions about what sectors of our society are corrupt. From their own experiences, they have long recognised that at the end of the day a president like, say, the late Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton (with Monica Lewinsky), and most other people are all humans under the skin and especially under the covers. Far from being perfect, what America has that is the envy of the purists among us is the workable synergy which springs from the lateral and horizontal push-pull of checks and balances, with each level having probing tentacles on the other.
I am certain that the Americans must have known of the breach, so the question to be asked is why did not the investigating entity abide by the conditions of the Act and apply to a judge in Chambers for authorisation for a wiretap or a series of wiretaps? It is my belief that they acted outside of the specific provision because there is not a single layer of the local system which they trust. Not a policeman, not a judge."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Showing posts with label Bruce Golding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bruce Golding. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
JO - Would Golding have protected another?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Would Golding have protected another?
Monday, May 03, 2010
Dear Editor,
It was quite refreshing to read Mervin Stoddart's article, "No to Dudus extradition, no to US demands", which was posted on the Online Jamaica Observer on April 21. The arguments he presented are unique in that most Jamaicans aren't knowledgeable of US history so his arguments may go contrary to conventional wisdom. As he has correctly stated, most have been duped by American propaganda. I have met a few myself. While I do agree with Stoddart's sentiments, I have to question whether Mr Golding would have stood up for the regular Jamaican in the same manner as he did for Mr Coke. After all, Jamaica has extradited people to the US since Mr Golding came to power.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Politics aside, my purpose for writing is that the article quoted the narcotics report as admitting that 70 per cent of the guns used in crimes in Jamaica originate from the US."
_____
W Mckoy
White Plains, New York
USA
Jamaica Observer
Would Golding have protected another?
Monday, May 03, 2010
Dear Editor,
It was quite refreshing to read Mervin Stoddart's article, "No to Dudus extradition, no to US demands", which was posted on the Online Jamaica Observer on April 21. The arguments he presented are unique in that most Jamaicans aren't knowledgeable of US history so his arguments may go contrary to conventional wisdom. As he has correctly stated, most have been duped by American propaganda. I have met a few myself. While I do agree with Stoddart's sentiments, I have to question whether Mr Golding would have stood up for the regular Jamaican in the same manner as he did for Mr Coke. After all, Jamaica has extradited people to the US since Mr Golding came to power.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Politics aside, my purpose for writing is that the article quoted the narcotics report as admitting that 70 per cent of the guns used in crimes in Jamaica originate from the US."
_____
W Mckoy
White Plains, New York
USA
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
JO - Come clean now, Prime Minister
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Come clean now, Prime Minister
Sunday, April 18, 2010
PRIME Minister Bruce Golding reminds us of that stubborn Pharaoh of biblical times who sacrificed Egypt to plague after plague before releasing the Israelite slaves in accordance with conventional wisdom.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"And we wonder how much longer he intends to carry the leaky bag of excuses that he has employed to explain his administration's handling of the US' extradition request for the strongman of his West Kingston constituency, Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Surely he must realise that when the Washington Post, the same news outfit that brought down US President Richard Nixon in the early 1970s, begins to discredit him, the gig is up."
&
"We are going to find out why Mr Golding is taking such a personal interest in Mr Coke, an interest that he has yet to demonstrate in the countless young girls who are being forced to spread their legs for the sexual entertainment of the dons who rule garrisons."
Jamaica Observer
Come clean now, Prime Minister
Sunday, April 18, 2010
PRIME Minister Bruce Golding reminds us of that stubborn Pharaoh of biblical times who sacrificed Egypt to plague after plague before releasing the Israelite slaves in accordance with conventional wisdom.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"And we wonder how much longer he intends to carry the leaky bag of excuses that he has employed to explain his administration's handling of the US' extradition request for the strongman of his West Kingston constituency, Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Surely he must realise that when the Washington Post, the same news outfit that brought down US President Richard Nixon in the early 1970s, begins to discredit him, the gig is up."
&
"We are going to find out why Mr Golding is taking such a personal interest in Mr Coke, an interest that he has yet to demonstrate in the countless young girls who are being forced to spread their legs for the sexual entertainment of the dons who rule garrisons."
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
JG - EDITORIAL Defending that which is wrong
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
EDITORIAL Defending that which is wrong
Published: Saturday May 1, 2010
Hardly a day goes by without citizens of Jamaica taking to the streets to express outrage over one issue or the other. This week, two such demonstrations caught our attention: one was staged by persons involved in the scrap-metal trade and the other was by citizens who sided with a businessman whose poorly constructed house tumbled down, killing a worker. We feel that these two incidents bring into question the overall moral condition of our society.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"Scrap-metal thieves have created a major headache for utility companies, farmers and householders. They have removed protective rails, dismantled irrigation equipment, stolen traffic signs and, despite various warnings from the authorities, they have continued these activities with impunity. The demonstration was in reaction to a decision to staunch metal theft by closing down the industry. Anyone expecting to hear condemnation of the indiscriminate theft of metal would have been disappointed. The demonstrators seemed only concerned with making a livelihood."
&
"The sobering truth is that these groups are attempting to convey, without shame, the idea that life is hard, and that cheating, theft, thuggery and flagrant flouting of the law are acceptable in the name of survival.
Some months back, there was another demonstration staged in west Kingston in support of Christopher Coke, whose extradition is being sought by the American government. The largely female group spoke of how he had assisted them financially in getting their children to school and putting food in their bellies. They were railing against the requests for his extradition.
Here is a society enmeshed in bloody violence and hair-raising crime that gets more bizarre by the day, yet we find persons willing to take an a priori defensive position when allegations of criminality arise. We can understand why the beneficiaries of Mr Coke's largesse are standing by his side; however, we find it more difficult to countenance the Government, particularly Prime Minister Golding, rising in such stout defence of Mr Coke to the extent of rigging the extradition argument with specious claims about the method used to gather evidence."
_____
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.
Jamaica Gleaner
EDITORIAL Defending that which is wrong
Published: Saturday May 1, 2010
Hardly a day goes by without citizens of Jamaica taking to the streets to express outrage over one issue or the other. This week, two such demonstrations caught our attention: one was staged by persons involved in the scrap-metal trade and the other was by citizens who sided with a businessman whose poorly constructed house tumbled down, killing a worker. We feel that these two incidents bring into question the overall moral condition of our society.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"Scrap-metal thieves have created a major headache for utility companies, farmers and householders. They have removed protective rails, dismantled irrigation equipment, stolen traffic signs and, despite various warnings from the authorities, they have continued these activities with impunity. The demonstration was in reaction to a decision to staunch metal theft by closing down the industry. Anyone expecting to hear condemnation of the indiscriminate theft of metal would have been disappointed. The demonstrators seemed only concerned with making a livelihood."
&
"The sobering truth is that these groups are attempting to convey, without shame, the idea that life is hard, and that cheating, theft, thuggery and flagrant flouting of the law are acceptable in the name of survival.
Some months back, there was another demonstration staged in west Kingston in support of Christopher Coke, whose extradition is being sought by the American government. The largely female group spoke of how he had assisted them financially in getting their children to school and putting food in their bellies. They were railing against the requests for his extradition.
Here is a society enmeshed in bloody violence and hair-raising crime that gets more bizarre by the day, yet we find persons willing to take an a priori defensive position when allegations of criminality arise. We can understand why the beneficiaries of Mr Coke's largesse are standing by his side; however, we find it more difficult to countenance the Government, particularly Prime Minister Golding, rising in such stout defence of Mr Coke to the extent of rigging the extradition argument with specious claims about the method used to gather evidence."
_____
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
JO - Retired politicians don't always make good envoys
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Retired politicians don't always make good envoys
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A certain prime minister of Jamaica, who shall be nameless, is reported to have said that it is not important who is appointed ambassador because he had a telephone.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"Although this is patently absurd, it has become an axiom of an approach to foreign policy by succeeding governments since the 1970s. Most unfortunately, it has been practised with disastrous results in the capitals of some of the countries that are most important to Jamaica, namely Washington, DC; London; and Ottawa."
"This dumping policy is not received well in foreign capitals because the "host" country knows what is being passed off and is insulted. The fog that engulfed United States-Jamaica relations has not yet cleared in Washington, DC.
Ambassadorial postings cannot be a pension plan for retirees or for politicians with other infirmities such as health problems. Even undistinguished backbenchers have become ambassadors if they are willing to accept less attractive postings. We have seen some who acceded to the diplomatic life without any aptitude, and even when they do not perform they are retained or offered another prestigious posting.
Some of these appointees regard their positions as a reward for work already done and do not exert themselves, to the detriment of Jamaica. Their verbal incontinence is an embarrassment to their country and their sartorial eccentricities a source of derision among their countrymen in the Diaspora. These retirees have not even been aware of their shortcomings while "enjoying" the privileges. They conflate the ceremonial with the cerebral and confuse the deference given to the office with respect for their person.
They are disparaged in dispatches to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by their own staff who file demeaning reports critiquing their conduct and work ethic, disregard for proper procedure and an ignorance of protocol."
&
"We are looking to Prime Minister Bruce Golding to put a stop to these types of appointments and to refrain from rewarding or condoning failure with inappropriate appointments. One bad term does not deserve another. There must be some other form of pension or local sinecure for retired politicians. Jamaica will not be taken seriously or get on any country's foreign policy agenda if we do not have effective representations.
The persons appointed as ambassadors/high commissioners, especially in Washington, DC; London; Ottawa; and at the United Nations, must be suitably qualified persons who could include competent politicians but not those in need of a pension."
Jamaica Observer
Retired politicians don't always make good envoys
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A certain prime minister of Jamaica, who shall be nameless, is reported to have said that it is not important who is appointed ambassador because he had a telephone.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"Although this is patently absurd, it has become an axiom of an approach to foreign policy by succeeding governments since the 1970s. Most unfortunately, it has been practised with disastrous results in the capitals of some of the countries that are most important to Jamaica, namely Washington, DC; London; and Ottawa."
"This dumping policy is not received well in foreign capitals because the "host" country knows what is being passed off and is insulted. The fog that engulfed United States-Jamaica relations has not yet cleared in Washington, DC.
Ambassadorial postings cannot be a pension plan for retirees or for politicians with other infirmities such as health problems. Even undistinguished backbenchers have become ambassadors if they are willing to accept less attractive postings. We have seen some who acceded to the diplomatic life without any aptitude, and even when they do not perform they are retained or offered another prestigious posting.
Some of these appointees regard their positions as a reward for work already done and do not exert themselves, to the detriment of Jamaica. Their verbal incontinence is an embarrassment to their country and their sartorial eccentricities a source of derision among their countrymen in the Diaspora. These retirees have not even been aware of their shortcomings while "enjoying" the privileges. They conflate the ceremonial with the cerebral and confuse the deference given to the office with respect for their person.
They are disparaged in dispatches to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by their own staff who file demeaning reports critiquing their conduct and work ethic, disregard for proper procedure and an ignorance of protocol."
&
"We are looking to Prime Minister Bruce Golding to put a stop to these types of appointments and to refrain from rewarding or condoning failure with inappropriate appointments. One bad term does not deserve another. There must be some other form of pension or local sinecure for retired politicians. Jamaica will not be taken seriously or get on any country's foreign policy agenda if we do not have effective representations.
The persons appointed as ambassadors/high commissioners, especially in Washington, DC; London; Ottawa; and at the United Nations, must be suitably qualified persons who could include competent politicians but not those in need of a pension."
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
JO - The plot thickens...
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
The plot thickens...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
As we suspected, last week's announcement by Prime Minister Bruce Golding of his intention to approach the local courts for a ruling concerning the handling of the US' extradition request for Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, the strongman of his West Kingston constituency, has not brought a scintilla of clarity to the issue.
Instead, we are even more baffled than we were prior to the announcement, which itself was a creature of confusion. No nearer are we to knowing what the ultimate objectives of the proposed court action are, what precise format said action will take, or who will represent whom.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"For it seems clear that the current information machinery has broken down, leaving us with the following plot summary:
* A strong man of the prime minister's constituency wanted -- since last August, at least -- by the US to answer charges of drug- and gun-running...
* A staunch refusal by the Government to let the request run its course through the courts, coupled with an unseemly vow by the prime minister to pay the political price.
* Information suggesting that the Government engaged a US law firm to give advice on said strongman's behalf.
* Desperate and, to date, futile attempts to have the information retracted by the law firm and the local lawyer who supposedly took it upon himself to hire and -- we can only suppose -- pay thousands of US dollars to said firm.
* Prolific US visa cancellation upon prolific US visa cancellation."
Jamaica Observer
The plot thickens...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
As we suspected, last week's announcement by Prime Minister Bruce Golding of his intention to approach the local courts for a ruling concerning the handling of the US' extradition request for Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, the strongman of his West Kingston constituency, has not brought a scintilla of clarity to the issue.
Instead, we are even more baffled than we were prior to the announcement, which itself was a creature of confusion. No nearer are we to knowing what the ultimate objectives of the proposed court action are, what precise format said action will take, or who will represent whom.
Read the whole editorial here.
Snippet(s):
"For it seems clear that the current information machinery has broken down, leaving us with the following plot summary:
* A strong man of the prime minister's constituency wanted -- since last August, at least -- by the US to answer charges of drug- and gun-running...
* A staunch refusal by the Government to let the request run its course through the courts, coupled with an unseemly vow by the prime minister to pay the political price.
* Information suggesting that the Government engaged a US law firm to give advice on said strongman's behalf.
* Desperate and, to date, futile attempts to have the information retracted by the law firm and the local lawyer who supposedly took it upon himself to hire and -- we can only suppose -- pay thousands of US dollars to said firm.
* Prolific US visa cancellation upon prolific US visa cancellation."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
JG - The PMs' club versus the US
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
The PMs' club versus the US
Published: Sunday April 11, 2010
Patterson
Seaga
Manley
Golding
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA IS no stranger to conflicts, disagreements, or diplomatic rows with the mighty United States or powerful US-backed organisations.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Past diplomatic stand-offs between the two countries have created graphic imagery of the oft-recited biblical David and Goliath story.
And as it was with much smaller David, Jamaican leaders have refused to back down claiming nobly that they have principle on their side.
Former prime ministers - Michael Manley, Edward Seaga and P.J. Patterson - have, during their tenures, boldly squared off with the United States or its organisations."
"(T)he Bruce Golding administration faces its own dilemma with the US."
&
"Ironically, as the Bruce Golding administration continues to be enmeshed in the knotty diplomatic row with the United States, over another extradition request, the attorney general and justice minister, Dorothy Lightbourne, is using the 1992 experience to defend the Government's position on the high-profile extradition request for celebrated Tivoli Gardens leader Christopher 'Dudus' Coke."
Jamaica Gleaner
The PMs' club versus the US
Published: Sunday April 11, 2010
Patterson
Seaga
Manley
Golding
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA IS no stranger to conflicts, disagreements, or diplomatic rows with the mighty United States or powerful US-backed organisations.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Past diplomatic stand-offs between the two countries have created graphic imagery of the oft-recited biblical David and Goliath story.
And as it was with much smaller David, Jamaican leaders have refused to back down claiming nobly that they have principle on their side.
Former prime ministers - Michael Manley, Edward Seaga and P.J. Patterson - have, during their tenures, boldly squared off with the United States or its organisations."
"(T)he Bruce Golding administration faces its own dilemma with the US."
&
"Ironically, as the Bruce Golding administration continues to be enmeshed in the knotty diplomatic row with the United States, over another extradition request, the attorney general and justice minister, Dorothy Lightbourne, is using the 1992 experience to defend the Government's position on the high-profile extradition request for celebrated Tivoli Gardens leader Christopher 'Dudus' Coke."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
JO - Dudus, US Gov't, interception of information
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Dudus, US Gov't, interception of information
Ken Chaplin
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
THIS column begs to differ with the editorial, "No man is (worth) an island" in last Thursday's edition of the Observer regarding the constitutionality of the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, who is wanted in America for alleged drug and gun-trafficking charges.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"It appears that information relating to Coke's alleged activities was forwarded to the US authorities after Coke's telephone was illegally tapped by operatives of a secret multinational intelligence agency, and this information was used to support the extradition request. Responding to the 2010 International Narcotics Control Report issued by the US Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Golding told Parliament last Wednesday that one aspect of the request which seemed to have worried the government was the violation of the Interception of Communications Act. The Act makes strict provisions for the manner in which intercepted communications may be obtained and disclosed. The evidence supporting the extradition request violated those provisions, said Golding. This violation is a serious offence."
"The minister has requested information from the US Government, after which the matter will be further considered."
&
"The US Department of State was not careful, as it ought to be, in the preparation of its report on the efforts of the security forces and the Jamaican authorities in the fight against international drug trafficking and organised crime. It should have been more specific and less generic in its evaluation regarding these matters. Certainly, there are a few areas where more progress could have been made, but there are a large number of areas in which the struggle has been remarkably successful, some with the assistance of the US Government."
Jamaica Observer
Dudus, US Gov't, interception of information
Ken Chaplin
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
THIS column begs to differ with the editorial, "No man is (worth) an island" in last Thursday's edition of the Observer regarding the constitutionality of the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, who is wanted in America for alleged drug and gun-trafficking charges.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"It appears that information relating to Coke's alleged activities was forwarded to the US authorities after Coke's telephone was illegally tapped by operatives of a secret multinational intelligence agency, and this information was used to support the extradition request. Responding to the 2010 International Narcotics Control Report issued by the US Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Golding told Parliament last Wednesday that one aspect of the request which seemed to have worried the government was the violation of the Interception of Communications Act. The Act makes strict provisions for the manner in which intercepted communications may be obtained and disclosed. The evidence supporting the extradition request violated those provisions, said Golding. This violation is a serious offence."
"The minister has requested information from the US Government, after which the matter will be further considered."
&
"The US Department of State was not careful, as it ought to be, in the preparation of its report on the efforts of the security forces and the Jamaican authorities in the fight against international drug trafficking and organised crime. It should have been more specific and less generic in its evaluation regarding these matters. Certainly, there are a few areas where more progress could have been made, but there are a large number of areas in which the struggle has been remarkably successful, some with the assistance of the US Government."
Sunday, April 18, 2010
JO - Hail to the republic?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Hail to the republic?
Lloyd B Smith
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
IT has been said that hindsight is 20/20 vision. Hindsight has to do with the understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened. Bruce Golding is caught in such a pickle with respect to the Dudus (Christopher Coke) affair. In retrospect, Mr Golding should not have yielded to the temptation of being enthroned as the member of parliament for West Kingston (popularly called Tivoli Gardens).
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"(T)he JLP, perhaps for the first time in its long, illustrious history, has found itself at odds with Jamaica's and its greatest ally, the United States of America! It must be remembered that while the leftist People's National Party has been known in the past to adopt a certain anti-American stance, especially during the height of the Cold War (think Cuba and Fidel Castro), the JLP was always totally in the bosom of Uncle Sam. Indeed, many decades ago when its maximum leader and founder Sir Alexander Bustamante was asked by reporters what was the JLP's foreign policy, he quipped, “We are with the West!” This in essence meant that the JLP was with the USA, the bastion of western civilisation, democracy and civilisation."
"(A)s colleague columnist Mark Wignall outlined in his Sunday Observer article, there is likely to be a major social fallout (and perhaps economic too), if Dudus Coke, the Big Man, is extradited to the United States. But outside of this likely outcome, there are also serious implications for the ruling JLP whose leader could well be declared persona non grata in his own constituency if he should be party to such a perceived collusion with the US State Department."
&
"In the meantime, the political fallout has begun, with many Jamaicans feeling that they will not be able to get a US visa or the one they have may be terminated. One youth man last week declared to me in a most chagrined mood that he was not going to bother to go the US Embassy because he knows he will not get a visa. Meanwhile, many Jamaicans from all walks of life will be approaching their travel to the USA with great trepidation as they will hear that their visa has been cancelled only when they arrive at the airport to board a flight. Blame it on Bruce? The US State Department has so far denied any such linkage, but in politics perception can break or make you."
Jamaica Observer
Hail to the republic?
Lloyd B Smith
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
IT has been said that hindsight is 20/20 vision. Hindsight has to do with the understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened. Bruce Golding is caught in such a pickle with respect to the Dudus (Christopher Coke) affair. In retrospect, Mr Golding should not have yielded to the temptation of being enthroned as the member of parliament for West Kingston (popularly called Tivoli Gardens).
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"(T)he JLP, perhaps for the first time in its long, illustrious history, has found itself at odds with Jamaica's and its greatest ally, the United States of America! It must be remembered that while the leftist People's National Party has been known in the past to adopt a certain anti-American stance, especially during the height of the Cold War (think Cuba and Fidel Castro), the JLP was always totally in the bosom of Uncle Sam. Indeed, many decades ago when its maximum leader and founder Sir Alexander Bustamante was asked by reporters what was the JLP's foreign policy, he quipped, “We are with the West!” This in essence meant that the JLP was with the USA, the bastion of western civilisation, democracy and civilisation."
"(A)s colleague columnist Mark Wignall outlined in his Sunday Observer article, there is likely to be a major social fallout (and perhaps economic too), if Dudus Coke, the Big Man, is extradited to the United States. But outside of this likely outcome, there are also serious implications for the ruling JLP whose leader could well be declared persona non grata in his own constituency if he should be party to such a perceived collusion with the US State Department."
&
"In the meantime, the political fallout has begun, with many Jamaicans feeling that they will not be able to get a US visa or the one they have may be terminated. One youth man last week declared to me in a most chagrined mood that he was not going to bother to go the US Embassy because he knows he will not get a visa. Meanwhile, many Jamaicans from all walks of life will be approaching their travel to the USA with great trepidation as they will hear that their visa has been cancelled only when they arrive at the airport to board a flight. Blame it on Bruce? The US State Department has so far denied any such linkage, but in politics perception can break or make you."
Saturday, April 17, 2010
JO - Extradition sidebars
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Extradition sidebars
HENLEY MORGAN
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
As every great leader knows, how he fights the war determines how he wins and keeps the peace. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy understood this well. In the Cuban Missile Crisis he risked nuclear war to defend a principle.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"Prime Minister Bruce Golding is in the fight of his life, standing as he is against the might and power of the United States over an extradition request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke."
"Without getting directly involved in the imbroglio or predicting what the eventual outcome will be, there are a few sidebars to the main event that are deserving of commentary. Here they are:
*No Jamaican prime minister is assured the support of the citizens of this country if he takes a decision or pursues a course of action that puts in jeopardy the highly favoured and much-desired multiple entry visa, green card, barrel or remittance. This "love" of America and things American transcends political affiliation. When Prime Minister PJ Patterson took the principled decision to allow President Aristide of Haiti brief sojourn in Jamaica on his way to exile, the radio talk shows lit up with calls from concerned citizens fearful that in offending America the prime minister had exposed Jamaica to the danger faced by a cockroach refereeing a chicken fight. This attitude that says America is always right puts Jamaica in a permanent subservient position."
&
"* It is my humble opinion that this display of "greater affection" for what America offers than for our own principles feeds into the old "banana republic" syndrome. In such a scenario the Americans are emboldened to speak of our leaders and country in the derogatory tones of the 2010 US State Department's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. I hold no brief for the prime minister of Jamaica. In those private, heated political debates that we Jamaicans like to have, I may even express some views of his stewardship that are not in the least flattering. But if anybody from outside Jamaica touches him, he is my prime minister and as long as he stands on principles I am rushing to his defence."
_____
hmorgan@cwjamaica.com
Jamaica Observer
Extradition sidebars
HENLEY MORGAN
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
As every great leader knows, how he fights the war determines how he wins and keeps the peace. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy understood this well. In the Cuban Missile Crisis he risked nuclear war to defend a principle.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"Prime Minister Bruce Golding is in the fight of his life, standing as he is against the might and power of the United States over an extradition request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke."
"Without getting directly involved in the imbroglio or predicting what the eventual outcome will be, there are a few sidebars to the main event that are deserving of commentary. Here they are:
*No Jamaican prime minister is assured the support of the citizens of this country if he takes a decision or pursues a course of action that puts in jeopardy the highly favoured and much-desired multiple entry visa, green card, barrel or remittance. This "love" of America and things American transcends political affiliation. When Prime Minister PJ Patterson took the principled decision to allow President Aristide of Haiti brief sojourn in Jamaica on his way to exile, the radio talk shows lit up with calls from concerned citizens fearful that in offending America the prime minister had exposed Jamaica to the danger faced by a cockroach refereeing a chicken fight. This attitude that says America is always right puts Jamaica in a permanent subservient position."
&
"* It is my humble opinion that this display of "greater affection" for what America offers than for our own principles feeds into the old "banana republic" syndrome. In such a scenario the Americans are emboldened to speak of our leaders and country in the derogatory tones of the 2010 US State Department's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. I hold no brief for the prime minister of Jamaica. In those private, heated political debates that we Jamaicans like to have, I may even express some views of his stewardship that are not in the least flattering. But if anybody from outside Jamaica touches him, he is my prime minister and as long as he stands on principles I am rushing to his defence."
_____
hmorgan@cwjamaica.com
JO - Please reconsider, PM
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Please reconsider, PM
Monday, March 08, 2010
Dear Editor,
This is an open letter to Prime Minister Bruce Golding
Your public utterances on the matter of Dudus Coke vs the United States might be evoking congratulations from your close supporters, but trust me, Mr Prime Minister, the word on the street is that the reason you will not permit Dudus' extradition is because you fear him.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"But the problem is that the majority of Jamaicans are more afraid of what the United States may do to us than what Dudus might do to you, so we are respectfully asking you to reconsider your decision not to have him extradited. Because if you believe that Dudus is not guilty of the charges brought against him, why not let him go and face his accusers, and since he is so important to you and your government, provide him with the best lawyers you can pay for."
&
"Mr Golding, we have an economy in shambles, we have people murdering people like dogs every day. We might just have a devastating earthquake soon and the hurricane season is near. When all this happens, the first country we will ask for help is America."
_____
Ken Spencer
PO Box 537
Kingston 8
Jamaica Observer
Please reconsider, PM
Monday, March 08, 2010
Dear Editor,
This is an open letter to Prime Minister Bruce Golding
Your public utterances on the matter of Dudus Coke vs the United States might be evoking congratulations from your close supporters, but trust me, Mr Prime Minister, the word on the street is that the reason you will not permit Dudus' extradition is because you fear him.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"But the problem is that the majority of Jamaicans are more afraid of what the United States may do to us than what Dudus might do to you, so we are respectfully asking you to reconsider your decision not to have him extradited. Because if you believe that Dudus is not guilty of the charges brought against him, why not let him go and face his accusers, and since he is so important to you and your government, provide him with the best lawyers you can pay for."
&
"Mr Golding, we have an economy in shambles, we have people murdering people like dogs every day. We might just have a devastating earthquake soon and the hurricane season is near. When all this happens, the first country we will ask for help is America."
_____
Ken Spencer
PO Box 537
Kingston 8
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
JO - Cases of 'bullying' US politics
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Cases of 'bullying' US politics
Analysis by Rickey Singh
Sunday, March 07, 2010
IT would be a pity if the rest of our Caribbean Community governments do not see it necessary to acquaint themselves with the circumstances of the current sharp dispute between Jamaica and the United States over Washington's demand for the extradition of Jamaican Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The very sovereignty of Jamaica seems to be at stake in its Government's defence of its constitutional right, within the framework of an existing bilateral extradition treaty it has with the USA, which would require extending that right for a ruling by the courts in Jamaica BEFORE Coke could be handed over to US authorities, or that such a process be denied."
"In a sense, the explosion of the bitter extradition row resulting from Jamaica's refusal to extradite Coke is a classic case of déjà vu in terms of relations between Washington and Kingston under different administrations.
As it was under previous governments of the now Opposition People's National Party (PNP), and the administrations of both presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Jamaica remains a favourite "punching bag" in America's diversion to cover up its own woeful failures to effectively deal with its immense problem as the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs as well as its involvement in gun-running linked to narco-trafficking."
"The 'Coke extradition case' reminds us of other instances of the USA wielding the 'big stick' to force small and poor states in this and other regions to genuflect to the assumed legal demands of Washington."
"Such is Washington's concept of "democracy" and "sovereignty' when dealing with small and poor states like ours in the Caribbean -- something for which it is occasionally applauded by sections of the region's media."
"In the current political episode involving Coke, Prime Minister Golding has made it clear that it is NOT a case of his Government's refusal to co-operate with Washington.
Jamaica's objection relates to the manner in which the USA was muscling its way to secure Coke's extradition, even to the extent of obtaining information illegally by violating key provisions of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries."
&
"He went on to state that "constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea" (location of the United States Embassy in Kingston)."
Jamaica Observer
Cases of 'bullying' US politics
Analysis by Rickey Singh
Sunday, March 07, 2010
IT would be a pity if the rest of our Caribbean Community governments do not see it necessary to acquaint themselves with the circumstances of the current sharp dispute between Jamaica and the United States over Washington's demand for the extradition of Jamaican Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The very sovereignty of Jamaica seems to be at stake in its Government's defence of its constitutional right, within the framework of an existing bilateral extradition treaty it has with the USA, which would require extending that right for a ruling by the courts in Jamaica BEFORE Coke could be handed over to US authorities, or that such a process be denied."
"In a sense, the explosion of the bitter extradition row resulting from Jamaica's refusal to extradite Coke is a classic case of déjà vu in terms of relations between Washington and Kingston under different administrations.
As it was under previous governments of the now Opposition People's National Party (PNP), and the administrations of both presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Jamaica remains a favourite "punching bag" in America's diversion to cover up its own woeful failures to effectively deal with its immense problem as the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs as well as its involvement in gun-running linked to narco-trafficking."
"The 'Coke extradition case' reminds us of other instances of the USA wielding the 'big stick' to force small and poor states in this and other regions to genuflect to the assumed legal demands of Washington."
"Such is Washington's concept of "democracy" and "sovereignty' when dealing with small and poor states like ours in the Caribbean -- something for which it is occasionally applauded by sections of the region's media."
"In the current political episode involving Coke, Prime Minister Golding has made it clear that it is NOT a case of his Government's refusal to co-operate with Washington.
Jamaica's objection relates to the manner in which the USA was muscling its way to secure Coke's extradition, even to the extent of obtaining information illegally by violating key provisions of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries."
&
"He went on to state that "constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea" (location of the United States Embassy in Kingston)."
Sunday, April 11, 2010
JG - When politicians go naked
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
When politicians go naked
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010
In 2005, then Opposition Leader Bruce Golding (right), member of parliament for West Kingston, and Jamaica Labour Party Deputy Leader James Robertson (centre) and party member André Franklin rushed to the scene of a major police-military operation in...
From left, government Members of Parliament Omar Davies, Peter Phillips and Karl Blythe were seen at Willie Haggart's funeral on May 8, 2001. Haggart was a well known 'don' at the time of his death.
Left: Camille Coke (left) weeps as she stands beside her mother, Beverley, viewing the body of Lester Lloyd Coke alias 'Jim Brown' who was laid to rest in 1992. Brown, the father of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, was the acclaimed 'don' of West Kingston. Then Opposition Leader Hon Edward Seaga is in the background with then Senator Olivia 'Babsy' Grange just in front of him.
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
Local politicians' defiant flirtations with garrison communities over many years - in the face of dire warnings that this could have grave implications - are coming back to bite the Bruce Golding administration in its ongoing extradition tussle with the United States.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Since last week's release of a damning report by the US State Department chastising the Government for its handling of the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, Jamaicans have applied colourful phrases to capture and describe the predicament in which the Golding administration finds itself."
"That Prime Minister Bruce Golding is the parliamentary representative of West Kingston, which includes the Tivoli Gardens community, has not helped.
Coke has been unofficially anointed 'President' of Tivoli Gardens, dubbed the "mother of all garrisons," an uncomplimentary title attributed to the community by former Jamaica Defence Force Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin."
"Golding told the House of Representatives last Tuesday that Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne had not signed the extradition order against Coke because the surveillance evidence that the US submitted contravened local laws.
The prime minister's insistence that the constitutional rights of every Jamaican must be protected was met with scepticism from many.
Gomes likened Golding to the main character in the story titled The Emperor's New Clothes . "I think the politicians are naked. The public expressions and the vox pops are supporting this point," she declared."
&
"It is the first time since the Mutual Assistance Treaty was signed in 1992 that an extradition request has generated such a furore.
The extradition foul-up, which dispatched Richard 'Storyteller' Morrison to the United States in 1992 and precipitated a diplomatic tiff between the P.J. Patterson administration and the US, pales in comparison.
Even the extradition request of 1992, which landed Coke's father, Lester Lloyd Coke aka 'Jim Brown', behind bars, was not nearly as controversial."
_____
gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com
Jamaica Gleaner
When politicians go naked
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010
In 2005, then Opposition Leader Bruce Golding (right), member of parliament for West Kingston, and Jamaica Labour Party Deputy Leader James Robertson (centre) and party member André Franklin rushed to the scene of a major police-military operation in...
From left, government Members of Parliament Omar Davies, Peter Phillips and Karl Blythe were seen at Willie Haggart's funeral on May 8, 2001. Haggart was a well known 'don' at the time of his death.
Left: Camille Coke (left) weeps as she stands beside her mother, Beverley, viewing the body of Lester Lloyd Coke alias 'Jim Brown' who was laid to rest in 1992. Brown, the father of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, was the acclaimed 'don' of West Kingston. Then Opposition Leader Hon Edward Seaga is in the background with then Senator Olivia 'Babsy' Grange just in front of him.
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
Local politicians' defiant flirtations with garrison communities over many years - in the face of dire warnings that this could have grave implications - are coming back to bite the Bruce Golding administration in its ongoing extradition tussle with the United States.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Since last week's release of a damning report by the US State Department chastising the Government for its handling of the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, Jamaicans have applied colourful phrases to capture and describe the predicament in which the Golding administration finds itself."
"That Prime Minister Bruce Golding is the parliamentary representative of West Kingston, which includes the Tivoli Gardens community, has not helped.
Coke has been unofficially anointed 'President' of Tivoli Gardens, dubbed the "mother of all garrisons," an uncomplimentary title attributed to the community by former Jamaica Defence Force Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin."
"Golding told the House of Representatives last Tuesday that Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne had not signed the extradition order against Coke because the surveillance evidence that the US submitted contravened local laws.
The prime minister's insistence that the constitutional rights of every Jamaican must be protected was met with scepticism from many.
Gomes likened Golding to the main character in the story titled The Emperor's New Clothes . "I think the politicians are naked. The public expressions and the vox pops are supporting this point," she declared."
&
"It is the first time since the Mutual Assistance Treaty was signed in 1992 that an extradition request has generated such a furore.
The extradition foul-up, which dispatched Richard 'Storyteller' Morrison to the United States in 1992 and precipitated a diplomatic tiff between the P.J. Patterson administration and the US, pales in comparison.
Even the extradition request of 1992, which landed Coke's father, Lester Lloyd Coke aka 'Jim Brown', behind bars, was not nearly as controversial."
_____
gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com
Saturday, April 10, 2010
JG - Whose rights are protected?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Whose rights are protected?
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
The Editor,
Sir:
A most interesting situation has occurred with the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition case. The prime minister has loudly declared that Jamaicans have "constitutional rights that do not end at Liguanea". The method of attaining evidence against Coke, we are told, was illegal, and it is on these grounds that the extradition has not been granted. How interesting!
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Was the Constitution being upheld when you had as many as four members of parliament sitting in the legislature illegally on account of the fact that they had sworn allegiance to a foreign power?"
_____
I am, etc.,
CANUTE SHAW
scanshaw@gmail.com
Kingston 5
Jamaica Gleaner
Whose rights are protected?
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
The Editor,
Sir:
A most interesting situation has occurred with the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition case. The prime minister has loudly declared that Jamaicans have "constitutional rights that do not end at Liguanea". The method of attaining evidence against Coke, we are told, was illegal, and it is on these grounds that the extradition has not been granted. How interesting!
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Was the Constitution being upheld when you had as many as four members of parliament sitting in the legislature illegally on account of the fact that they had sworn allegiance to a foreign power?"
_____
I am, etc.,
CANUTE SHAW
scanshaw@gmail.com
Kingston 5
Friday, April 9, 2010
JO - There is more than one way to skin a cat
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
There is more than one way to skin a cat
Sunday, April 04, 2010
A few days ago, at the opening of the US Embassy's consular office in Montego Bay, the point was made that the great northern power considers Jamaica a friend.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Not a word would the American officials let slip about any possible impact that Prime Minister Bruce Golding's handling of the extradition request for his friend, Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, might have on the relationship between both countries."
"According to Vice-Consul David Stone, some 120,000 visas are issued per year, way more than the number of visas that are cancelled.
This, coupled with the fact that the Embassy has spent a pretty penny on infrastructure within the past three years, is, according to Embassy officials, indicative of their intentions to maintain strong relations with Jamaica."
"Mr Stone's explanation that the small number of visas that are cancelled on a yearly basis are done so for reasons that are personal and unique to the individuals, is perfectly plausible.
But it would be nothing short of simplistic to twin the local presence of the US with the supposition that the 'Dudus' issue is one that we can afford to sustain in its current format.
Never mind the broad smiles and assurances of the Americans. They know, as do we, that there is more than one way to skin a cat.
There's no need to close down embassies or pull out of Jamaica over this issue. We are, after all, talking about one man... 33, counting Mr Golding and his team."
&
"No undiplomatic venting, no inappropriate scenes, just a systematic unveiling of information that raises serious challenges to much of what is coming out of the Government's mouth."
Jamaica Observer
There is more than one way to skin a cat
Sunday, April 04, 2010
A few days ago, at the opening of the US Embassy's consular office in Montego Bay, the point was made that the great northern power considers Jamaica a friend.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Not a word would the American officials let slip about any possible impact that Prime Minister Bruce Golding's handling of the extradition request for his friend, Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, might have on the relationship between both countries."
"According to Vice-Consul David Stone, some 120,000 visas are issued per year, way more than the number of visas that are cancelled.
This, coupled with the fact that the Embassy has spent a pretty penny on infrastructure within the past three years, is, according to Embassy officials, indicative of their intentions to maintain strong relations with Jamaica."
"Mr Stone's explanation that the small number of visas that are cancelled on a yearly basis are done so for reasons that are personal and unique to the individuals, is perfectly plausible.
But it would be nothing short of simplistic to twin the local presence of the US with the supposition that the 'Dudus' issue is one that we can afford to sustain in its current format.
Never mind the broad smiles and assurances of the Americans. They know, as do we, that there is more than one way to skin a cat.
There's no need to close down embassies or pull out of Jamaica over this issue. We are, after all, talking about one man... 33, counting Mr Golding and his team."
&
"No undiplomatic venting, no inappropriate scenes, just a systematic unveiling of information that raises serious challenges to much of what is coming out of the Government's mouth."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
JO - J’cans give US dirt on Dudus. 5 prominent locals on US list of informants.
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Oberver
J’cans give US dirt on Dudus
5 prominent locals on US list of informants
Sunday, March 07, 2010
FIVE well-known Jamaicans are among a number of witnesses whose statements the United States Government intends to use against Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, the diminutive and powerful Western Kingston don who has strong family and business connections in the constituency of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Highly placed authoritative sources have told the Sunday Observer that included in the five are three well-known underworld figures — one a convict deportee, another an accused against whom no convictions have been secured so far, and the third an individual currently residing in the US at the pleasure of that country’s federal prison system."
"The sources also say that both have been granted residency status in the United States in exchange for information against Coke, and at least two of the three are those referred to as co-conspirators in the indictment filed by American authorities against Coke."
"Christopher Michael Coke, aka ‘Michael Christopher Coke’; ‘Paul Christopher Scott’; ‘Presi’; ‘General’; ‘President’; ‘Dudus’ and ‘Shortman’ was indicted on two counts — conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine, and conspiracy to traffic in firearms.
According to the indictment filed in the US District Court Southern District of New York, Coke and others known and unknown, “unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with each other to violate the narcotics laws of the United States” in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.
The alleged acts, the US said, were committed “from at least in or about 1994, up to and including in or about October 2007”.
The indictment also accused Coke and others of unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly distributing and possessing with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of marijuana, and five kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine in violation of Sections 812, 841(a) (1), and 841(b) (1) (A) of Title 21, United States Code.
The indictment also accuses Coke of illegally importing guns into Jamaica “via a wharf located adjacent to Tivoli Gardens” and outlines telephone conversations the US authorities say were conducted between Coke and a number of unnamed coconspirators regarding the shipment of guns and narcotics.
The Jamaican Government’s handling of the Americans’ extradition request for Coke, submitted last August, has soured relations between both countries in recent months."
"Last Monday, in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Washington questioned Kingston’s commitment to law enforcement co-operation and blasted the Golding administration for procrastinating on the request."
"The United States Embassy in Kingston is located in Liguanea."
&
"On September 17 last year, two days after US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly labelled Jamaica a “major illicit drug-producing country”, a highly placed US source told the Sunday Observer that Washington would begin cancelling the visas of highprofile Jamaicans.
“There is one thing that Jamaicans love more than their country, and it’s their US visa, and America knows that,” the source said at the time."
Jamaica Oberver
J’cans give US dirt on Dudus
5 prominent locals on US list of informants
Sunday, March 07, 2010
FIVE well-known Jamaicans are among a number of witnesses whose statements the United States Government intends to use against Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, the diminutive and powerful Western Kingston don who has strong family and business connections in the constituency of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Highly placed authoritative sources have told the Sunday Observer that included in the five are three well-known underworld figures — one a convict deportee, another an accused against whom no convictions have been secured so far, and the third an individual currently residing in the US at the pleasure of that country’s federal prison system."
"The sources also say that both have been granted residency status in the United States in exchange for information against Coke, and at least two of the three are those referred to as co-conspirators in the indictment filed by American authorities against Coke."
"Christopher Michael Coke, aka ‘Michael Christopher Coke’; ‘Paul Christopher Scott’; ‘Presi’; ‘General’; ‘President’; ‘Dudus’ and ‘Shortman’ was indicted on two counts — conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine, and conspiracy to traffic in firearms.
According to the indictment filed in the US District Court Southern District of New York, Coke and others known and unknown, “unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with each other to violate the narcotics laws of the United States” in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.
The alleged acts, the US said, were committed “from at least in or about 1994, up to and including in or about October 2007”.
The indictment also accused Coke and others of unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly distributing and possessing with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of marijuana, and five kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine in violation of Sections 812, 841(a) (1), and 841(b) (1) (A) of Title 21, United States Code.
The indictment also accuses Coke of illegally importing guns into Jamaica “via a wharf located adjacent to Tivoli Gardens” and outlines telephone conversations the US authorities say were conducted between Coke and a number of unnamed coconspirators regarding the shipment of guns and narcotics.
The Jamaican Government’s handling of the Americans’ extradition request for Coke, submitted last August, has soured relations between both countries in recent months."
"Last Monday, in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Washington questioned Kingston’s commitment to law enforcement co-operation and blasted the Golding administration for procrastinating on the request."
"The United States Embassy in Kingston is located in Liguanea."
&
"On September 17 last year, two days after US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly labelled Jamaica a “major illicit drug-producing country”, a highly placed US source told the Sunday Observer that Washington would begin cancelling the visas of highprofile Jamaicans.
“There is one thing that Jamaicans love more than their country, and it’s their US visa, and America knows that,” the source said at the time."
Sunday, April 4, 2010
JG - Let the judiciary decide
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Let the judiciary decide
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
The Editor , Sir:
In your Saturday edition of March 6, letter writer Owen S. Crosbie wrote an extensive essay as to why Christopher 'Dudus' Coke should not be extradited because the evidence against Coke was (allegedly) obtained by illegal means.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"If Mr Golding can thwart a legal proceeding to which Jamaica has agreed by way of treaty, then, we really do not have an independent judiciary after all, do we now? And if we do not have an independent judiciary that the Executive will abide by, then, as a nation, we are in serious trouble. Think Zimbabwe, Iran, Burma, and other places where the average Jamaican would never want to live."
I am, etc.,
PETER HOPKINS
yamdigger@hotmail.com
Toronto, Canada
Jamaica Gleaner
Let the judiciary decide
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
The Editor , Sir:
In your Saturday edition of March 6, letter writer Owen S. Crosbie wrote an extensive essay as to why Christopher 'Dudus' Coke should not be extradited because the evidence against Coke was (allegedly) obtained by illegal means.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"If Mr Golding can thwart a legal proceeding to which Jamaica has agreed by way of treaty, then, we really do not have an independent judiciary after all, do we now? And if we do not have an independent judiciary that the Executive will abide by, then, as a nation, we are in serious trouble. Think Zimbabwe, Iran, Burma, and other places where the average Jamaican would never want to live."
I am, etc.,
PETER HOPKINS
yamdigger@hotmail.com
Toronto, Canada
Friday, April 2, 2010
JG - EDITORIAL - Where is the 'Dudus' Coke case?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
EDITORIAL - Where is the 'Dudus' Coke case?
Published: Sunday February 28, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
Fifteen years ago when Bruce Golding began aggressively to seek the job of prime minister of Jamaica, he didn't merely lodge his application. He also wrote his own job description, accompanied by a business plan for the overhaul of the country.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The core of Mr Golding's proposal was the reform of politics and to run a government that was moral. Critical to this restructuring would be, in the language of the period, the dismantling of political garrisons. Mr Golding would not cavort, directly or otherwise, with the enforcers of these zones of political exclusions, that have morphed fertile territory of violence, extortion and other forms of criminality."
"In the context of a functioning liberal democracy this would have been no big deal, but by the standards of Jamaica's often dysfunctional political arrangements, Mr Golding would have been aware that he was setting a high bar for himself. But he was willing, Mr Golding assured Jamaicans, to pay, if necessary, a political price for having a serious go at this transformation."
"It is nearly half a year since the US government requested the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, ostensibly a businessman, but who the Americans accuse of smuggling narcotics into their country and running guns from the United States to Jamaica."
"Mr Golding's justice minister, Ms Dorothy Lightbourne, has so far declined to sign the extradition order so that the Jamaican courts can determine whether the Americans have established a prime facie case against Mr Coke. The Jamaican government has asked the Americans for more and better particulars about the indictment. The government insists that it is protecting the constitutional rights of a Jamaican citizen.
The problem for the administration is that neither the United States nor a large swathe of the Jamaican population believes that."
&
"Mr Coke happens to be based in West Kingston, Mr Golding's parliamentary constituency, whose political epicentre is Tivoli Gardens, which is considered by many as a kind of command and control centre of the governing Jamaica Labour Party. Mr Coke, as benefactor, is considered to be a man of great power and influence in West Kingston and elsewhere, which he 'inherited' from his father, Lester Coke, or Jim Brown, who the Americans also tried to extradite. It is presumed that Mr Coke's actions can influence the political fortunes of the JLP and that to touch him might ignite a volatile security powder keg.
However, the Americans have made it apparent that despite the Government's clunking dance, they still want Mr Coke, as was made clear by Julissa Reynoso, deputy assistant secretary of state, when she visited Jamaica last month and met with Foreign Minister Ken Baugh."
Jamaica Gleaner
EDITORIAL - Where is the 'Dudus' Coke case?
Published: Sunday February 28, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
Fifteen years ago when Bruce Golding began aggressively to seek the job of prime minister of Jamaica, he didn't merely lodge his application. He also wrote his own job description, accompanied by a business plan for the overhaul of the country.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The core of Mr Golding's proposal was the reform of politics and to run a government that was moral. Critical to this restructuring would be, in the language of the period, the dismantling of political garrisons. Mr Golding would not cavort, directly or otherwise, with the enforcers of these zones of political exclusions, that have morphed fertile territory of violence, extortion and other forms of criminality."
"In the context of a functioning liberal democracy this would have been no big deal, but by the standards of Jamaica's often dysfunctional political arrangements, Mr Golding would have been aware that he was setting a high bar for himself. But he was willing, Mr Golding assured Jamaicans, to pay, if necessary, a political price for having a serious go at this transformation."
"It is nearly half a year since the US government requested the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, ostensibly a businessman, but who the Americans accuse of smuggling narcotics into their country and running guns from the United States to Jamaica."
"Mr Golding's justice minister, Ms Dorothy Lightbourne, has so far declined to sign the extradition order so that the Jamaican courts can determine whether the Americans have established a prime facie case against Mr Coke. The Jamaican government has asked the Americans for more and better particulars about the indictment. The government insists that it is protecting the constitutional rights of a Jamaican citizen.
The problem for the administration is that neither the United States nor a large swathe of the Jamaican population believes that."
&
"Mr Coke happens to be based in West Kingston, Mr Golding's parliamentary constituency, whose political epicentre is Tivoli Gardens, which is considered by many as a kind of command and control centre of the governing Jamaica Labour Party. Mr Coke, as benefactor, is considered to be a man of great power and influence in West Kingston and elsewhere, which he 'inherited' from his father, Lester Coke, or Jim Brown, who the Americans also tried to extradite. It is presumed that Mr Coke's actions can influence the political fortunes of the JLP and that to touch him might ignite a volatile security powder keg.
However, the Americans have made it apparent that despite the Government's clunking dance, they still want Mr Coke, as was made clear by Julissa Reynoso, deputy assistant secretary of state, when she visited Jamaica last month and met with Foreign Minister Ken Baugh."
Monday, March 22, 2010
JO - No, Bruce!
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
No, Bruce!
Friday, March 05, 2010
Dear Editor,
I must congratulate you on an excellent editorial in the March 4 edition of your paper, " No man is (worth) an island". It should have been placed on the front page to give it more oomph. You have said it best that this unprecedented vacillation by the prime minister is simply foolhardy. I can't help but wonder what is his interest in this routine extradition request that he is willing to put his neck on the block for Christopher "Dudus" Coke.
Read the whole letter here.
_____
Jermaine Boreland
jirmz@yahoo.co.uk
Jamaica Observer
No, Bruce!
Friday, March 05, 2010
Dear Editor,
I must congratulate you on an excellent editorial in the March 4 edition of your paper, " No man is (worth) an island". It should have been placed on the front page to give it more oomph. You have said it best that this unprecedented vacillation by the prime minister is simply foolhardy. I can't help but wonder what is his interest in this routine extradition request that he is willing to put his neck on the block for Christopher "Dudus" Coke.
Read the whole letter here.
_____
Jermaine Boreland
jirmz@yahoo.co.uk
Sunday, March 21, 2010
JO - What say you?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
What say you?
Friday, March 05, 2010
Dear Editor,
The political quandary in which the government has found itself vis-a-vis the Dudus Coke extradition saga is one that generates no envy. What it does generate for me, however, is a sense of empathy and concern. The empathy of which I speak goes to the heart of one of the points made by Prime Minister Golding in Parliament recently. He made the point, though not directly, that lest we have convenient amnesia, donmanship is not the preserve of the JLP and therefore the shoe could easily have been on the other foot.
Read the whole letter here.
_____
Dr Richard Kitson-Walters
Maryland, USA
k-w@comcast.net
Jamaica Observer
What say you?
Friday, March 05, 2010
Dear Editor,
The political quandary in which the government has found itself vis-a-vis the Dudus Coke extradition saga is one that generates no envy. What it does generate for me, however, is a sense of empathy and concern. The empathy of which I speak goes to the heart of one of the points made by Prime Minister Golding in Parliament recently. He made the point, though not directly, that lest we have convenient amnesia, donmanship is not the preserve of the JLP and therefore the shoe could easily have been on the other foot.
Read the whole letter here.
_____
Dr Richard Kitson-Walters
Maryland, USA
k-w@comcast.net
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