From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Jamaicans overseas and the extradition affair
BY Delano Franklyn
Saturday, May 08, 2010
AS it is in Jamaica, the most talked about issue currently among Jamaicans living abroad is the extradition request for Christopher Coke, and how it has been, and is being handled by the Bruce Golding-led administration.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"This issue has pushed the divestment of Air Jamaica to the number two position on the list of concerns by Jamaicans living outside Jamaica. While being severely critical of the burial of Air Jamaica by the Government, they have resigned their minds to the fact that despite the attempts of the pilots to keep Air Jamaica in Jamaican hands, the Government, as demanded by the International Monetary Fund, had no option, or was not prepared to consider any other option, but to conclude the deal with Caribbean Airlines.
Some members of the Diaspora in the New York asked why are some members of the JLP Government — for whom they have a lot of respect — such as (from left) Dr Kenneth Baugh, Delroy Chuck, Dwight Nelson, Edmund Bartlett, and Rudyard Spencer silent on the extradition matter."
"Why has the prime minister seen it fit to be leading the defence of a man who is being sought by the State Department for drug- and gun-running?"
"Are (sic) the prime minister prepared to sacrifice his political career as a result of this extradition issue because the person for whom the extradition has been made is a leading member of his own constituency and an alleged 'powerbroker' in the party which he leads?
* Is the prime minister and the other members of his team afraid of what the person whose extradition request is being sought might possibly say about the involvement in criminal activities of any other well-known person or persons in Jamaica?"
&
"The members of the diasporic community, rightly or wrongly, no different from persons living in Jamaica, are not making and seem not to be prepared to delink the issues. They see, for example, the revocation of the visa of Wayne Chen and the entertainers as being linked to the tightening of the screws against Jamaica and Jamaicans because of the Government's refusal to honour the extradition request.
As a result of this view, many Jamaicans living overseas, as well as inside Jamaica are afraid to travel out of fear that they will be told that their visa has been revoked. One middle-class professional who has developed a distinguished career in the area of health in Baltimore, told me that she always visited Jamaica yearly, but she has no plans to visit until this impasse is settled.
A young man in the teaching profession in New York said that he will be visiting Jamaica in July this year and he is extremely fearful that his visa may be revoked when he is returning to the USA; and one Jamaican living in the Hartford area of Connecticut said he knows not what to make of the situation because, if 'Mr Chen's visa can be revoked without prior notice, so can mine', so he is not taking the chance to travel to Jamaica any time soon."
Showing posts with label Christopher Dudus Coke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christopher Dudus Coke. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
JO - The perils of gathering clean evidence
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
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
Sunday, May 30, 2010
JO - Ja wouldn't stare down Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Ja wouldn't stare down Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Dear Editor,
With his back to the wall, the prime minister has devised a tactic which at least has a fighting chance of working. He has come out of his corner of the ring swinging, in the diplomatic fight with the Obama administration. His bona fide in the Dudus matter may be a little weak, as many suspect, and his position, in real terms, may well be motivated by self-interest and self-preservation, but at least he is a fighter, and not a weeper, as a certain woman was reputed to have become when faced with the Trafigura scandal.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Word in Washington is that Obama can indeed be bullied - and has been bullied - according to his opponents, because of not wanting it to appear that as a liberal he is a hard taskmaster, preferring to be known as "non-confrontational". Now, where did I hear this term before? After all, he has just let Honduras bully the USA.
Now, this assumption may be a risky one, since others - Obama's supporters - say that he is as tough as nails, but acts in such a deliberate manner that he is not easily drawn by hot rhetoric."
&
"(O)ne of the things which has most riled the State Department is Minister Baugh's and the administration's foreign policy moves. We have joined the Latin American and Caribbean breakaway OAS group. Its first item of business is the stated desire to break what they see as US hegemony in the region, and then to support Argentina in its grouse with Britain over the Falklands."
_____
Patrick Blake
mysterymonpatrick@hotmail.com
Jamaica Observer
Ja wouldn't stare down Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Dear Editor,
With his back to the wall, the prime minister has devised a tactic which at least has a fighting chance of working. He has come out of his corner of the ring swinging, in the diplomatic fight with the Obama administration. His bona fide in the Dudus matter may be a little weak, as many suspect, and his position, in real terms, may well be motivated by self-interest and self-preservation, but at least he is a fighter, and not a weeper, as a certain woman was reputed to have become when faced with the Trafigura scandal.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Word in Washington is that Obama can indeed be bullied - and has been bullied - according to his opponents, because of not wanting it to appear that as a liberal he is a hard taskmaster, preferring to be known as "non-confrontational". Now, where did I hear this term before? After all, he has just let Honduras bully the USA.
Now, this assumption may be a risky one, since others - Obama's supporters - say that he is as tough as nails, but acts in such a deliberate manner that he is not easily drawn by hot rhetoric."
&
"(O)ne of the things which has most riled the State Department is Minister Baugh's and the administration's foreign policy moves. We have joined the Latin American and Caribbean breakaway OAS group. Its first item of business is the stated desire to break what they see as US hegemony in the region, and then to support Argentina in its grouse with Britain over the Falklands."
_____
Patrick Blake
mysterymonpatrick@hotmail.com
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.
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."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
JO - US agents stream into Jamaica, Move seen as effort to push 'Dudus' extradition.
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
US agents stream into Jamaica
Move seen as effort to push 'Dudus' extradition
Sunday, April 11, 2010
AGENTS from two American intelligence-gathering organisations have descended on Jamaica in unusual numbers over the last six months in what political watchers believe is a move by the United States to add more muscle to its request for Jamaica to extradite Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"A highly placed source told the Sunday Observer that some of the agents have been given strict instructions to pay close attention to three Government ministers, several members of the security forces, and two major downtown business operators."
"Yesterday, one source with knowledge of the country's security operations said that a significant number of foreigners, believed to be US agents, arrived in the island last Wednesday at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston."
"According to our sources, this is the latest tactic being used by the USA to have Jamaica extradite Coke, who a New York grand jury indicted last year on drug- and arms-trafficking charges."
"During the 1970s when the People's National Party administration, headed by Michael Manley, declared itself a democratic socialist government and damaged Jamaica's relations with America, CIA agents were active in Jamaica, fuelling many political fires. Some, operating as journalists, deliberately fed erroneous information to overseas media."
&
"When contacted, a spokeswoman in the DEA Office of Public Affairs in Washington said no one was available to provide information on the number of agents operating in Jamaica."
Jamaica Observer
US agents stream into Jamaica
Move seen as effort to push 'Dudus' extradition
Sunday, April 11, 2010
AGENTS from two American intelligence-gathering organisations have descended on Jamaica in unusual numbers over the last six months in what political watchers believe is a move by the United States to add more muscle to its request for Jamaica to extradite Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"A highly placed source told the Sunday Observer that some of the agents have been given strict instructions to pay close attention to three Government ministers, several members of the security forces, and two major downtown business operators."
"Yesterday, one source with knowledge of the country's security operations said that a significant number of foreigners, believed to be US agents, arrived in the island last Wednesday at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston."
"According to our sources, this is the latest tactic being used by the USA to have Jamaica extradite Coke, who a New York grand jury indicted last year on drug- and arms-trafficking charges."
"During the 1970s when the People's National Party administration, headed by Michael Manley, declared itself a democratic socialist government and damaged Jamaica's relations with America, CIA agents were active in Jamaica, fuelling many political fires. Some, operating as journalists, deliberately fed erroneous information to overseas media."
&
"When contacted, a spokeswoman in the DEA Office of Public Affairs in Washington said no one was available to provide information on the number of agents operating in Jamaica."
Monday, April 26, 2010
JG - Travellers to United States concerned, not worried
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Travellers to United States concerned, not worried
Published: Sunday April 11, 2010
United States visa applicants gather in front of the embassy in Liguanea, St Andrew, in this Gleaner file photo. -Norman Grindley / Deputy Chief Photographer
Tyrone Reid, Sunday Gleaner Reporter
JAMAICANS TRAVELLING to the United States of America (US) are concerned about the recent non-immigrant visa revocations of at least one prominent businessman and five entertainers, but are scared to comment openly about it.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Although the response was unsolicited, at least one Jamaican with a stern face made it known that she would not touch the issue with a 10-foot pole. Others, fearing possible repercussions, were not willing to speak on record.
Visa holders, it is reported, are not aware that their visa has been cancelled until they arrive at the airline check-in desk at the airport. Our news team captured the mood of travellers to the US at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston on Thursday."
"The baptised New Yorker is among a number of Jamaicans who think the revocations are linked to the extradition tussle between the US and Jamaica involving alleged drug kingpin, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. She is of the view that if the visa revocations are part of a broader punishment package crafted by the US to get Jamaica to extradite the man known in the streets as the 'president', then they are excessive."
&
"She opined that the government of her adopted homeland was being unfair because it is said that the 'president' has never travelled to America. However, under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty that deals with extradition, travelling to the requesting state is not a prerequisite for a prima facie case to be made out against an individual and a subsequent extradition request sent."
Jamaica Gleaner
Travellers to United States concerned, not worried
Published: Sunday April 11, 2010
United States visa applicants gather in front of the embassy in Liguanea, St Andrew, in this Gleaner file photo. -Norman Grindley / Deputy Chief Photographer
Tyrone Reid, Sunday Gleaner Reporter
JAMAICANS TRAVELLING to the United States of America (US) are concerned about the recent non-immigrant visa revocations of at least one prominent businessman and five entertainers, but are scared to comment openly about it.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Although the response was unsolicited, at least one Jamaican with a stern face made it known that she would not touch the issue with a 10-foot pole. Others, fearing possible repercussions, were not willing to speak on record.
Visa holders, it is reported, are not aware that their visa has been cancelled until they arrive at the airline check-in desk at the airport. Our news team captured the mood of travellers to the US at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston on Thursday."
"The baptised New Yorker is among a number of Jamaicans who think the revocations are linked to the extradition tussle between the US and Jamaica involving alleged drug kingpin, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. She is of the view that if the visa revocations are part of a broader punishment package crafted by the US to get Jamaica to extradite the man known in the streets as the 'president', then they are excessive."
&
"She opined that the government of her adopted homeland was being unfair because it is said that the 'president' has never travelled to America. However, under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty that deals with extradition, travelling to the requesting state is not a prerequisite for a prima facie case to be made out against an individual and a subsequent extradition request sent."
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."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
JO - Uncle Sam or son of the soil?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Uncle Sam or son of the soil?
HEART TO HEART
With Betty Ann Blaine
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Dear Reader,
The events of the last few weeks ring ominously for our beloved country. It is not only that the security and social fabric of the country are unravelling at an alarming rate, but the overarching umbrella of governance is crumbling as well.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"The country is in anarchy, but what is even worse is that the institution which is supposed to be providing the solutions, namely our government, has itself become a part of the problem.
Central to the issue of the deepening failure of Jamaican politics and politicians is the current standoff between the Golding administration and the US Government. It is not only that the opinions and conclusions formed by the State Department cast an ugly light on corruption in Jamaican politics, it has typecast an image of Jamaican society that, if not reversed quickly, may place us in a "clique" that has few escape routes and even fewer friends and allies in the West."
"Is the Golding administration undertaking a de facto referendum for us to choose between Uncle Sam or our son of the soil, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke?
As a citizen of Jamaica, I need to know if I have been involuntarily drafted for war with the United States."
"What is extremely disturbing about this public boxing match between our country and the US is the fact that we have allowed the US to expose our underwear most shamefully. What is even more distressing is that all of us who live here have been largely silent about the state of corruption and the links between political parties and criminal elements."
"The US Government's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2010 has painted a damning picture of Jamaica. Addressing the extradition standoff specifically, the report stated that "Jamaica's processing of the extradition request has been subjected to unprecedented delays, unexplained disclosure of law-enforcement information to the press, and unfounded allegations questioning US compliance with the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and Jamaican law"."
"Labelling Jamaica as the Caribbean's largest supplier of marijuana to the United States as well as a trans-shipment point for cocaine entering South America, the US government criticised the Golding administration's handling of crime and corruption."
&
"So the Golding administration has pulled us all into a fight with America over the extradition of someone described as an alleged narcotics and gun trafficker and is essentially asking the people of Jamaica to choose."
_____
With love,
bab2609@yahoo.com
Jamaica Observer
Uncle Sam or son of the soil?
HEART TO HEART
With Betty Ann Blaine
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Dear Reader,
The events of the last few weeks ring ominously for our beloved country. It is not only that the security and social fabric of the country are unravelling at an alarming rate, but the overarching umbrella of governance is crumbling as well.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"The country is in anarchy, but what is even worse is that the institution which is supposed to be providing the solutions, namely our government, has itself become a part of the problem.
Central to the issue of the deepening failure of Jamaican politics and politicians is the current standoff between the Golding administration and the US Government. It is not only that the opinions and conclusions formed by the State Department cast an ugly light on corruption in Jamaican politics, it has typecast an image of Jamaican society that, if not reversed quickly, may place us in a "clique" that has few escape routes and even fewer friends and allies in the West."
"Is the Golding administration undertaking a de facto referendum for us to choose between Uncle Sam or our son of the soil, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke?
As a citizen of Jamaica, I need to know if I have been involuntarily drafted for war with the United States."
"What is extremely disturbing about this public boxing match between our country and the US is the fact that we have allowed the US to expose our underwear most shamefully. What is even more distressing is that all of us who live here have been largely silent about the state of corruption and the links between political parties and criminal elements."
"The US Government's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2010 has painted a damning picture of Jamaica. Addressing the extradition standoff specifically, the report stated that "Jamaica's processing of the extradition request has been subjected to unprecedented delays, unexplained disclosure of law-enforcement information to the press, and unfounded allegations questioning US compliance with the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and Jamaican law"."
"Labelling Jamaica as the Caribbean's largest supplier of marijuana to the United States as well as a trans-shipment point for cocaine entering South America, the US government criticised the Golding administration's handling of crime and corruption."
&
"So the Golding administration has pulled us all into a fight with America over the extradition of someone described as an alleged narcotics and gun trafficker and is essentially asking the people of Jamaica to choose."
_____
With love,
bab2609@yahoo.com
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 - 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
Friday, April 16, 2010
JO - Justice Minister correct in Coke's extradition case
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Justice Minister correct in Coke's extradition case
Ken Chaplin
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Investigations carried out by this writer have established beyond all reasonable doubt that while the Jamaican Supreme Court judge authorised the interception of conversations by Christopher Coke which helped the US grand jury to indict him on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and conspiracy to traffic in firearms without a licence, the information was illegally forwarded to US authorities in clear violation of the extradition treaty.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"The communication was illegally passed on to US authorities by a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who worked in the intercept facility in Kingston. The facility was established in 2004 by Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the USA to gather and share intelligence. The court order is always subject to the condition that the intercepted information must only be disclosed to a class of people authorised by the judge to receive such information. In no instance has any order ever been made authorising the disclosure of the information to a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government. The people who are usually authorised to receive such information are the commissioner of police and the assistant commissioner, the head of the Military Intelligence Unit and the superintendent of police in charge of the interception. The law has to be strictly followed and no mutual understandings arrived at between Jamaica and United States law enforcement authorities will do."
"The violation by the police constable represents a dangerous precedent. It is a straightforward case and the US government has an obligation to provide the government of Jamaica with all relevant information in order that it may determine when, where and how the communication was intercepted and whether or not it was done under the authority of a valid warrant. My understanding is that the police constable is now living in the USA. He should be tracked down and steps taken to have him extradited to face criminal charges as the offence he committed is an extraditable one. But this is unlikely to happen as it appears that he was a double agent. The police constable, tagged John Doe by the Americans to hide his identity is scheduled to give evidence at the trial of Coke in the USA if Coke is extradited."
&
"(T)he ball is now in the court of the Americans to make a fresh request based on legally obtained evidence to have Coke extradited and given a fair trial in the USA. The impasse between Jamaica and the USA over this matter should never have occurred. It has led to tense diplomatic relations between the two countries with the prospect of deterioration."
Jamaica Observer
Justice Minister correct in Coke's extradition case
Ken Chaplin
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Investigations carried out by this writer have established beyond all reasonable doubt that while the Jamaican Supreme Court judge authorised the interception of conversations by Christopher Coke which helped the US grand jury to indict him on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and conspiracy to traffic in firearms without a licence, the information was illegally forwarded to US authorities in clear violation of the extradition treaty.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"The communication was illegally passed on to US authorities by a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who worked in the intercept facility in Kingston. The facility was established in 2004 by Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the USA to gather and share intelligence. The court order is always subject to the condition that the intercepted information must only be disclosed to a class of people authorised by the judge to receive such information. In no instance has any order ever been made authorising the disclosure of the information to a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government. The people who are usually authorised to receive such information are the commissioner of police and the assistant commissioner, the head of the Military Intelligence Unit and the superintendent of police in charge of the interception. The law has to be strictly followed and no mutual understandings arrived at between Jamaica and United States law enforcement authorities will do."
"The violation by the police constable represents a dangerous precedent. It is a straightforward case and the US government has an obligation to provide the government of Jamaica with all relevant information in order that it may determine when, where and how the communication was intercepted and whether or not it was done under the authority of a valid warrant. My understanding is that the police constable is now living in the USA. He should be tracked down and steps taken to have him extradited to face criminal charges as the offence he committed is an extraditable one. But this is unlikely to happen as it appears that he was a double agent. The police constable, tagged John Doe by the Americans to hide his identity is scheduled to give evidence at the trial of Coke in the USA if Coke is extradited."
&
"(T)he ball is now in the court of the Americans to make a fresh request based on legally obtained evidence to have Coke extradited and given a fair trial in the USA. The impasse between Jamaica and the USA over this matter should never have occurred. It has led to tense diplomatic relations between the two countries with the prospect of deterioration."
Thursday, April 15, 2010
JO - Clarity, Corruption and Censure
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Clarity, Corruption and Censure
James Moss-Solomon
Sunday, March 07, 2010
"OH, what a tangled web we weave!" The Daily Observer of Wednesday, March 3 in its headline claims "PM Stares Down US", and the Gleaner headline of the same day says "Dudus defence". The situation has started to get out of hand and several innuendos have been made, although no one has directly pointed any fingers. The usual lawyers, both locally and overseas, have weighed in on the matter on the talk shows, and as predicted they have not been precise in their comments. On one hand they say 'this', and on the other hand they say 'that'. That has been my concern with lawyers in government; they argue like hell, but fail to take decisive positions or actions.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"The element of corruption in Government as stated by the supreme spin doctors, the United States, would also have been resisted. As it is now, any defence under the rights of citizens within the extradition treaty has been reduced to a discussion of the levels of corruption within the Government by their dealings with a single individual. The entire ruling party has now been placed under a cloak of suspicion, which will again cause the rumour mills to churn. Already it is being said that the visas of prominent Jamaicans are being cancelled as an act of "revenge" by the government of the United States.
I have no doubt that in other circumstances the USA has taken action based on rumours, but we are such small fish that we should not attribute it to revenge. Let's face it, we are no bin Laden, neither do we possess any "weapons of mass destruction". We can hardly manage our own criminals, let alone a war. So in the final analysis, our lack of clarity has led to the accusations of vast corruption in the Government."
&
"The events have opened us up to the realities of censure by the United States Government. The annual reports to Congress are a requirement which I believe started in earnest following the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Under their concept of "sovereignty" they are able to take a wide range of punitive actions on what they believe to be non-compliant with their policies. These measures range from a slap on the wrist, prohibition of airlines accessing their airspace or ships sailing in their territorial waters, trade sanctions, breaking of diplomatic relations, to perhaps even a declaration of war."
Jamaica Observer
Clarity, Corruption and Censure
James Moss-Solomon
Sunday, March 07, 2010
"OH, what a tangled web we weave!" The Daily Observer of Wednesday, March 3 in its headline claims "PM Stares Down US", and the Gleaner headline of the same day says "Dudus defence". The situation has started to get out of hand and several innuendos have been made, although no one has directly pointed any fingers. The usual lawyers, both locally and overseas, have weighed in on the matter on the talk shows, and as predicted they have not been precise in their comments. On one hand they say 'this', and on the other hand they say 'that'. That has been my concern with lawyers in government; they argue like hell, but fail to take decisive positions or actions.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"The element of corruption in Government as stated by the supreme spin doctors, the United States, would also have been resisted. As it is now, any defence under the rights of citizens within the extradition treaty has been reduced to a discussion of the levels of corruption within the Government by their dealings with a single individual. The entire ruling party has now been placed under a cloak of suspicion, which will again cause the rumour mills to churn. Already it is being said that the visas of prominent Jamaicans are being cancelled as an act of "revenge" by the government of the United States.
I have no doubt that in other circumstances the USA has taken action based on rumours, but we are such small fish that we should not attribute it to revenge. Let's face it, we are no bin Laden, neither do we possess any "weapons of mass destruction". We can hardly manage our own criminals, let alone a war. So in the final analysis, our lack of clarity has led to the accusations of vast corruption in the Government."
&
"The events have opened us up to the realities of censure by the United States Government. The annual reports to Congress are a requirement which I believe started in earnest following the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Under their concept of "sovereignty" they are able to take a wide range of punitive actions on what they believe to be non-compliant with their policies. These measures range from a slap on the wrist, prohibition of airlines accessing their airspace or ships sailing in their territorial waters, trade sanctions, breaking of diplomatic relations, to perhaps even a declaration of war."
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)."
Monday, April 12, 2010
JO - Aftermath of the Dudus extradition
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Aftermath of the Dudus extradition
Mark Wignall
Sunday, March 07, 2010
A week or so after the extradition, downtown Kingston, effectively void of its 'protector', has become one vast no-man's land. The outburst of violence began at the moment his extradition was announced.
Read the whole scenario here.
Snippet(s):
"As it appears, there is some evidence that gunmen with notional attachments to the PNP have been teaming up with those in the forefront; various spokespersons in the PNP have been calling for an islandwide state of emergency. Meanwhile, the information minister has dismissed the idea that the prime minister has formally requested the Americans to send in the Marines."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Jamaica Observer
Aftermath of the Dudus extradition
Mark Wignall
Sunday, March 07, 2010
A week or so after the extradition, downtown Kingston, effectively void of its 'protector', has become one vast no-man's land. The outburst of violence began at the moment his extradition was announced.
Read the whole scenario here.
Snippet(s):
"As it appears, there is some evidence that gunmen with notional attachments to the PNP have been teaming up with those in the forefront; various spokespersons in the PNP have been calling for an islandwide state of emergency. Meanwhile, the information minister has dismissed the idea that the prime minister has formally requested the Americans to send in the Marines."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
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."
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"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
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