No man is (worth) an island

Thursday, March 04, 2010

PRIME Minister Bruce Golding has taken the unprecedented step of putting the interest of one man above the interest of an entire nation. And history will not absolve him.

In his statement Tuesday to the Parliament, responding to the United States on the much too drawn out extradition request for Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, the Tivoli Gardens strongman, Mr Golding seemed to have forgotten that politics is the art of the possible.

It is not possible to engage the United States, especially on a matter relating to allegations of criminal activities, and come out unscathed. This is not a fight to preserve Jamaican pride or even sovereignty. This is not a defence of a Jamaican national hero. This is not an enemy country that we are staring down. In fact, the US is our cherished friend and ally.

For Mr Golding to draw for the excuse that he is defending the Jamaican Constitution is pure hogwash. Neither the Jamaicans nor the Americans are buying it. There are just too many issues on which we have simply shamed our Constitution to now suddenly seem to be so concerned about upholding constitutional rights. Try telling the families of the seven girls who died at Armadale about their constitutional rights.

We, like most Jamaicans, are uncomfortable with the prime minister abrogating to himself and his minister of justice and attorney general the right to determine the outcome of a matter that should have been put to the test in the Jamaican courts.

Mr Golding should also remember that good old phrase: Two wrongs do not make a right. So even if the US illegally obtained information about allegedly illegal activities, that is not occasion for the prime minister to 'hold hard end'.

The prime minister made it clear he was willing to expend political capital in his defence of Mr Coke. That is a decision he should make in his personal capacity, not as head of a country. Jamaica cannot afford this potentially ruinous adventure.

Mr Golding needs to wake up and smell the coffee, hopefully one without caffeine. Already Jamaicans are joking that 'The ¹resident' has ordered the prime minister to speak on his behalf. Mr Coke, of course, is popularly referred to as 'The President'.

Even if it were not his intention, Mr Golding appears to be suggesting that Mr Coke is more important than the Jamaican nation; more important than our long established bonds of friendship with the United States; more important than the value of our biggest and most lucrative export market; more important than the fight against the international traffic in firearms and narcotics; more important, even, than the large number of Jamaicans killed by guns or destroyed by drugs.

We are sure, of course, that he could not mean it this way. Mr Golding is one of our brightest prime ministers yet. Perhaps, he was merely off on a temporary flight of fancy.

We have a piece of unsolicited advice for the prime minister: Sit down with Mr Coke and work out a timetable for his voluntary handing over to the US authorities. Then follow the case through to the very end, to ensure that he gets the full benefit of both Jamaican and American justice.

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COMMENTS (26)

John Smith
3/5/2010

Finally, a fair and balanced cartoon from Clovis (October 5).

Believer In-God
3/5/2010

Those of you defending Mr. Golding's actions must be blind or politically motivated.
First of all, by signing the order Coke is not sent to the Americans but the matter is sent to the courts.
Second, Mr Golding cannot be seen here as an independent party as the connection in the constituency is clear.
Third, the delay in sending the matter to the courts gives the impression Mr Golding is corrupt and is doing Mr Coke a favour. There are lots of rumours to "you scratch my back I scratch yours". I do not know if there is any truth to these, but that is the impression given to the world.
Fourth, this case is unusually handled - a break from how other requests were handled. Why?
Fifth, there appears to be documented evidence Mr Coke was involved in drugs and gun running, as captured by intercepted telephone calls. I recall in the Kern Spencer case, unauthorised recordings were allowed as evidence.
Sixth, Mr Coke is an alleged don of a vast criminal empire, to the extent that he is suspected to be a multi-millionaire. We should be willing to send the message we are not beholden to alleged or real criminals. Also, Mr Coke will not be denied the best legal defense.
Seventh, the reports and analysis on Mr Coke were compiled by multiple American agencies (CIA, FBI, ATF, etc). It seems there is a case to answer.
My conclusion therefore is that Mr Golding is playing with Jamaica and not properly representing the people. In the event he thinks his posturing is scary, let him remember Manuel Noriega, Saddam Hussein, Mullah Omar, etc)
If he stubbornly resists and causes adverse reaction against Jamaica, he will have more than hell to pay. Mr Coke is no saint and if the Americans get him it will be good riddance to bad medicine. I wish the Americans would come and take him and the corrupt politicians from either side, their dons and corrupt senior policemen and imprison them for life. Then perhaps we can start over fresh.

mojoe mojoe
3/4/2010

SOS
New Prime Minister wanted

3/4/2010

Waup with the low self esteem? We think so lowly of ourselves that we dont understand our worth. America will not hand over their citizens to ANYONE more so when their laws are broken inorder to prove a case.

Paul Campbell
3/4/2010

I agree wholeheartedly with your Editorial, except for the last paragraph. On no account should the Prime Minister "sit down and work out" anything with Mr. Coke. Mr Golding must cease trying to circumnavigate the legal process, and hand over Dudus to stand trial, where he will be more than adequately represented. Failing this, the only HONORABLE thing for Mr. Golding to do is RESIGN. But then, Mr. Golding is an honorable man.

Allison James
3/4/2010

We are ready to sell out the rights of out people because we are dealing with the USA. NO!!!!!!!!! Because they are the USA they are permitted to break and get a way with it? I whole article is absurd. What about our individual rights it out the window because it is the USA? No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF AMERICA IS GOING TO BREAK OUR LAWS TO OPTAIN EVIDENT AGAINST A JAMAICAN AND THEN ARE US TO EXTRADITE THEM THEN THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR OUR LAW OR US.

D Ranks
3/4/2010

Are we all sitting here thinking that this is about patriotism, constitution, and rights? Mr Golding is in one hell of a position. If he say, OK Coke, go defend yourself, in all probability he will be not able to run in Western Kingston again. If he keeps this up the greater good of the party is not going to be served. Which takes precedence? Golding does not own the JLP, he is merely a member, and loyalty to the leader extends as far has he is not damaging the party's chances for a second term.
I think Bruce will have to capitulate.
How come the pollsters are not fielding the public views on this? It would be interesting to see.

Allison James
3/4/2010

Owen Roach
3/4/2010

Whatever happens, no sitting down with Dudus and discuss anything with him. Bruce is Jamaica's Prime Minister not Dudus'.

Mike Ramsey
3/4/2010

I beg to differ with your piece of Editorial drivel, every once in a while a proud country must stand and exert its independence, even countries that are not independent do so from time to time. Puerto Rico on occassion even the Virgin Islands take differering stance on certain matters of existence so why shouldn't our little Island. To say the Prime Minister is taking this step at the expense of the survival of the nation is hyperbole, it simply is not that dramatic. Under Ronald Regan I could understand that level of paranoia, this new US administration is nowhere as racist and imperialistic. What the Obama led administration has done is try to lead by eliciting consensus, if the governmemt of Jamaica can show in the courts of public opinion that they are being bullied under the disguise of imposing capricious US laws, it is almost certain the US will relent.
Sometimes we fight the right battle for the wrong causes, but nevertheless we make a stand and that proves to be our ultimate vindication. The past four US administration, all the way back to Ronald Regan has enacted laws around the world that selfishly nullifies other countries constitutional guarantees. From arresting Manuel Noriega under the same dubious drug laws to removing Aristide they have simply rode rough shod over their partners. While many partners silently sulked and whispered about America's selfish hegemony, Jamaica maybe one of the few who has stood up and done anything about it. This is a good thing, there is just so many things that the US needs to improve upon to live in harmony with its neighbors, from immigration laws to monetary policies, we can only pray that by Jamaica standing up, they are starting to pay attention.

Cee Dubya
3/4/2010

I don’t understand what is happening. I mean, I get it but I still don’t get it, you get me?
We’ve all heard the arguments for and against and couldn’t-care-less. The question that shapes my perception of this sordid matter is: “So, where, exactly, is (Jam) rock bottom?” Because, if this isn’t it, by the looks of things, we only have a couple hundred metres to go; by the rate of descent, we might hit it in under 19.19s.
(Jam) rock bottom cannot be too far from this ominous mix that includes an appalling murder rate; an abysmal health care sector; a struggling primary & secondary education sector; a sorry agriculture industry; an endangered tourism industry (which seems to be burying its head in the sand); a pitiful judicial system; and, oh yes, the contemptuous treatment of the safety and rights of the other 2,708,000 Jamaicans.
I don’t agree with the advice for the Prime Minister to “Sit down with Mr Coke and work out a timetable for his voluntary handing over to the US authorities.” Then suppose him don’t agree to be handed over til the end of 2012? Til…never! Then what? In any case, this isn’t a role for Mr. Golding to play, is it? Well, certainly not in the role of Prime Minister!

However this turns out, hindsight will surely be 20/20.

John Smith
3/4/2010

I'm just reading these comments and clearly some of you people are uninformed. If you read the full report posted on the Observer wesbite yesterday you would not be saying the USA is 'bullying' anybody. The USDA clearly has the best interests of their country, the Americas and Jamaica in mind. I still have not seen one report specifically stating what the law is, and how it it was broken by the wiretapping. The USDA says in the report that the claims that the evidence is illegal, or unfounded. So who should we believe? I'm not believing anybody until I see what specific law was broken and how - if it was.

Rees Hines
3/4/2010

We have a tendency to look at things through rose tinted glasses (or orange or green), this request goes beyond the "friendship" of the Americans or the "protection" of our constitution by the PM. It speaks to our values as an independent country, the PM and AG role is not decide guilt or innocence or breaches of law, that is the job of the courts. I have no idea of the guilt or innocence of Mr. Coke, but protecting his right guaranteed under our constitution also means not subverting the jurisdiction of our courts to make that decision. I disagree with the suggestion that Mr. Golding should sit with Mr. Coke to decide on his handing over that is no better than what he did in parliament, if the government believes that a breach occurred take the argument to court so they can decide. The times demand serious actions on behalf of all Jamaica and our structures, not petty political posturing on issues that are a matter for the courts

carlos king
3/4/2010

If Mr. Golding is unwilling to put the interest of 2.7Million Jamaicans before his own and that of Dudus Coke, then he should do the honourable thing and RESIGN. What is unfolding is a clear case of conflict of interest and the WestMinster parliamentary tradition compels him, and those ministers who support is unfathomable and inexplicable stance, to RESIGN!
Regards,

Trevor Dawes
3/4/2010

This editorial makes some cogent points. No doubt we don't want to see a deterioration in relations with the US but the most important part of this whole Coke extradition episode is that the courts should be where any legal issues be resolved. We should not have the PM, the AG/Justice Minister and the rest of the gov't resorting to being Mr. Coke's spokepersons and legal advisors. If Mr. Coke is as financially well off as is claimed then he can afford good legal representation to advocate for him. One of the responsibilities of any gov't (in a democracy) is to make laws but it is for the judiciary to interpret and decide on their legality/constitutionality. If the evidence against Coke was gathered illegally then he and his legal rep(s) should fight it in the courts. We don't need a sitting gov't to be a shill for someone regarded in many quarters as an unsavory character. At a time when Jamaica is looking to rehabilitate its tarnished image in terms of crime and corruption, we don't need to have a gov't seemingly defending one of its allegedly main practitioners.

K Alexander
3/4/2010

Are you actually suggesting that the Prime Minister of the country should dispel with the rule of law and simply comply with the request of the US government without due process? Who exactly is served when the Kangaroo Court system that Jamaica is well known for is perpetuated?
To hold the view that we should simply hand over Mr. Coke because the request is coming from our "cherished ally" up north undermines not just our sovereignty, but shows complete disregard for jurisprudence.
Your opinions are misguided at best and criminal at worst, and one can only hope that you would rethink your position if you are ever in a such a position of authority where your opinion should decide the faith of another.

Jamaican Girl
3/4/2010

This editorial is right on target.... The Prime Minister is not Coke's attorney and all these arguments put forward are normally heard at the extradition hearing... Whether the evidence was illegally obtained is a matter for the Jamaican courts to decide... not the Prime Minister

C. Brown
3/4/2010

Well put... I hope Mr. Golding takes heed...

JA Cynic
3/4/2010

There is the real probability of an adverse Travel Advisory being issued with the basis being the murder rate esp. of St. James and the number of shootings reported in Montego Bay and environs.
So we are into "sounds & pressure". A pile of rock stones have been accumulated and the bawling has started and it is only a pebble( or two) that has been thrown.
JA Cynic

Norman Lee
3/4/2010

History may absolve Bruce if Dudus is extradited and found not guilty, even though Bruce was " abrogating (sic) to himself......the right to determine a matter ....to the test in Jamaican courts"
History is more likely to ensure his condemnation if, as you suggest, " Sit down with Mr Coke and work out a timetable for his voluntary handing over to the US authorities...". That is not the job of the PM in these circumstances. Thats a job for Dudus's lawyers.
History would pardon the PM should he and the AG, put politics aside, sit with the ministry staff and be educated on the operation of article v111 of the treaty so that the procedures can take its course. Dudus will then have his day in Jamaican courts, with his lawyer, under Jamaican law to test if the terms of the treaty has been complied with.
I think this would be the best way for the JLP government to recoup some credibility.

3/4/2010

They should send both Bruce and Dudus away. The country can do well without both.

mark jones
3/4/2010

Masterful editorial straight to the point as the crow flies, nothing diplomatic about it.............No worries if they dnt take heed........time is the master! All im asking the U.S. to do is be clinical and targeted when they decide respond, im sure they know how......... cant take any more suffering for poor people because of the actions of the JLP "Click"

3/4/2010

Do the Editor and the interests of The Jamaica Observer have fears that their visas will be cancelled, I sense that is the concern (read fear).

3/4/2010

Nonsense!! I did predict that alot of people will come out in their choruses not because they care about Jamaica, but because they care about their visas being cancelled. If the PM has a case based on jurisprudence, it matters not which citizen of Jamaica it is. America protects its citizens even when some of them are brazen enough to violate the laws of other countries for example Singapore and Italy. Why should Jamaica do the same. If the man is innocent let the law take its course, but America cannt break our laws and then dictate to us. When will Jamaica stop being hyprocitical and selfish.....Heaven help all a wi.

Joseph Wilson
3/4/2010

History is replete with examples of one man worth an island or in fact a nation. I am sure you have studied the history of jamaica.
The history books are also filled with the great america willingness to break known laws to execute theur brand of "justice" throughout the world.
Friendship, sir, is based on mutual respect not "bullyism" and if the government of jamaica stands up for a citizen who may not be from your area code, then the gov't has all right to do so.
I do hope if the shoe was on the other foot, you would DEMAND that your government STANDS UP FOR YOU, or maybe because of your self importance...you would EXPECT IT.
"......KEEPS US FREE FROM EVIL POWERS......
the national anthem

3/4/2010

Yaawwn!
The Fourth Plantation is at it again.
The law must be shackle and it does not matter if it was not in the past. Whenever the opportunity arises that we have to bow to our Constitution then we should grab a hold of it.
You are asking the State to try the case, find the man guilty then bundle him off to Uncle Sam.
In this case the GOJ is not concerned with guilt nor innocence it is concerned with the Rights of an Individual under our Constitution.
We are already living in a Failed State apparently the years of so-called good relations with the USA did not stop or slow the illicit guns and drugs two-way trade, the murder for hire and or the destruction of our economy. So the gloom and doom that is predicted might not hurt one bit....what are we going to go from Petty-Haiti to Full-Haitian Fallout?
.....TG....

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No man is (worth) an island