Dudus jitters hit J’cans in US

Nationals want early end to extradition fuss

BY HAROLD G BAILEY Observer writer

Monday, March 08, 2010

NEW YORK, USA — Fearing a major fallout in the relationship between their home country and the United States of America (USA), Jamaican nationals here are demanding a quick resolution to the impasse over the extradition request for reputed Tivoli Gardens don, Christopher "Dudus" Cooke.

Fears of a potential major fall out have heightened among Jamaicans in the Diaspora since last Monday's report by the US State Department which criticised Jamaica's handling of the request and the subsequent response by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who openly defended Coke's rights in Parliament.

Interviews conducted by the Observer here revealed a real sense of frustration and deep desire for a resolution of the matter.

"It's been going on for too long. They should settle it before it is too late," said Leon Saunderson, a bus driver.

Saunderson is fearful that the United States might impose some level of sanctions against Jamaica as a way to force an end to the matter.

Dionne McKoy, a Massachusetts-based healthcare provider argued that: "it will be better for all if this thing is settled soon."

McKoy said that she was fearful that there could be "more serious consequences," for her homeland, should Jamaican authorities fail to resolve the extradition request soon.

Describing the present impasse as holding serious concerns for the future of US, Jamaica relations, Patrick Beckford, who heads the Diaspora board for the North East United States, said that he worries that his country of birth could be designated a rouge state.

"Should this happen we could lose valuable economic and other support," he said noting that his office had been receiving numerous telephone calls, many of themy from Jamaicans in law enforcement here, expressing concern about the matter.

He argued that the Jamaican Government should allow the Courts there to determine or interpret what the Prime Minister refers to as the illegal means used by United States authorities to obtain the information it used in its extradition request.

But not everyone here views the current impasse, as holding dire consequences for the future.

Florida-based attorney Marlon Hill said that he does not think "Jamaica will be punished severely by the US, over the extradition issue."

Hill concedes, however, that "a quick resolution of the matter would be in the best interest of both countries."

He said that he was more concerned about the criticism contained in the State Department's report about failed efforts on the part of the Jamaican Legislature, to complete several pieces of Crime Bill legislation which have been stalled in Jamaica's Parliament.

The Jamaican Attorney urged resolution on those bills as a matter of priority.

Still Basil Grant, a warehouse clerk, like most of his countrymen here, is worried about a serious strain in relationships between the US and his native land.

"A solution must be found soon," he said.

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COMMENTS (24)

Sam Girod
3/9/2010

this seems to more the agenda of the paper than anything else.
The US needs to back-off and stop the bullying.
Evidence obtained illegally is tainted..
Let them prove their case with legal evidence.
If they have legally obtained evidence then file another extradition request.

Peter Lawrence
3/9/2010

There's no way to really finesse this. We have put up with internecine violence and killings over politics since self-government , intensifying thriough Independence, and growing until now the beast has grown massive enough to do us serious harm. But is it really politics? I think it is more a tradition of most(black) children left behind in Jamaica as it was throughout British class-& colour ridden,plantation history. "Politics" is only a silly euphemism for desperation, a medium enabling one to keep starvation at bay by getting a share of scarce spoils in exchange for giving politicians a vote enabling them to prance at Gordon House, travel worldwide and feel important. The Dudus matter shows what blacks of the non-professional type[the vast majority] have achieved in Jamaica since slavery . The ability to threaten to"mash up an bun dung de place".
In attempting to dig itself out of the diplomatic pit, our govt is trying to revive its version of the cold war, by bringing China into the mix.in a massive way. This may be worse than the USA by far.Because of our long history with the USA we have been allowed to posture and thumb our noses at them etc. Watch out if we ever offend china in some major way. Watch out if we ever offend Chavez and those latins. You think the chinese and/or the venezuelans would just write correspondence to the PM??? Then , if threatened seriously who would we have to appeal to for help? Oh yes, maybe england would despatch the royal navy to drive out the chinese and also provide us with gas when Chavez cuts off supplies. I suspect that is why Min. Baugh showed up at the meeting of the Latin american splinter group from the OAS, when we joined in, by our presence , as they indulged in a robust orgy of criticism against Uncle Sam.

Jerry Valentine
3/8/2010

Last I check, Mr, Bruce Golding is not a lawyer nor a judge and if he feels that Dudus's constitutional rights are being compromised, let the man have his day in court. Let his lawyers take up the battle and let the Jamaican legal system decide.
If that is the plan then I am all for it. But to stand in parliament and pass judgement you are not qualified to make is not only arrogant but it now begs the question why the PM "tek up Dudus problems pon him head?

Ms. Lee B.
3/8/2010

Dennis, I would never argue that there are no racists in the U.S. But let me help you count - therea are 50 States in this Union. So I assure you that "many" of us are not lapping our tails between our legs. If that were so and we are afraid of showing our black faces in public, you and others like you would not be enjoying the remittances that we send home.

Karen Lee
3/8/2010

@JA CYNIC...WEAPONS OF MASS VISA REVOCATION... THAT IS A GOOD ONE..SO TRUE THOUGH...LETS ALL HOPE THIS WORKDS OUT

shulla bandana
3/8/2010

Careen,
What are you talking about? How many of us Jamaicans would the PM try to protect like this? You think if a request was made for you to be extradited to the US tomorrow the government would defend your rights the way they are for Dudus? Let's not be OVERLY patriotic here!

dennis wilson
3/8/2010

Velma Galey...well said..LOL...I was never asked, and I don't know anyone who was. In every society you will always find people who are mindfull of their appetite..wont able to eat nooo more Turkey...many Jamaican home and away during the Michael Manley period, yearn for Jamaica becoming a state of the USA, some wont admit it, but they are around....I will agree that this matter need to be before the Courts, however the Prime Minister is entitled to his opinion...memba say, many of these so called Jamaicn living in the US, are treated worst than dawg..dem cant even walk the street of dem neighbourhood, and when dem see the white cops, dem put dem tail between dem legs an run inside....poor souls

Beresford Davidson
3/8/2010

Mr. 'Editah, Sah:'
All now me 'cyaan,' believe what I am reading in the newspaper about US, Britain, and Canada to Jamaica relations. Something 'eenah, somptin.' Me 'tellin yu, Mr. Editah,' suppen eenah suppen!' We 'nevah ave dem yah shoutin match with US and Britain before!' Canada is 'likkel more sober an modern; they 'ave' ethics and sound morals, it appears. Poor Jamaica! Some-body 'ah,' work a 'numbah, pon we.'
'Dem seh, money talk and 'eveyting,' else 'woalk!' 'Ah wondah weh we do so bad and different dan weh eveybody else ah do!?' Mr. 'Editah, me ave fe scratch me head!'

Ms. Lee B.
3/8/2010

Are these the same Jamaicans who are being denied the right to vote and hold office in Jamaica?
If these are the same ones, then I assure you, that for the above reasons we don't care.

Velma Daley Gayle
3/8/2010

I'm still trying to comprehend this headline. Which "Overseas Jamaicans" are you referring to? Could it be the same ones who were lamenting the fall-out for overseas Jamaicans after the Colin Ferguson incident aboard the LIRR train?

Ras Benji
3/8/2010

Richie L
3/8/2010 said
"Some Overseas Jamaicans , quite frankly, have washed their hands of Jamaica and see it as gone beyond repairs. I would venture to say it is a small minority that actually reads Jamaican newspapers online"
Richie L, you are absolutely right. Jamaican's are given information through a limited prism, and they swallow it wholesale.
One Love!

Rodney Hubbard
3/8/2010

I think the Prime minister is ready to throw the public to the wolves in order to protect his position...He should step aside and let the law run its course... or perhaps he doesn't trust the legal system in this case.

Wayne L
3/8/2010

I lead a group of Caribbean people dominated by Jamaicans here in the Mid South and I have never heard any of them expressing concern. My feeling is that the newspapers in Ja make eroneous statements at times to drive fear into the hearts of the people to incite certain reactions. Let me remind you guys. The US has fugitive aprehension team stationed in Ja. If they want to remove Dudus they can. The request to extradite Duddus was made to the Jamaican government, why should they differ to the courts to make their decision? The only time this should go to court is after the AG signs the order then it will be up to Duddus to file suit to challenge it. Like America, the Jamaican government have a responsibility to defend it's citizen, regardless of their status.

real southy
3/8/2010

who do these people speak for. there are so many Jamaicans all over the US who dont know or couldnt care less about this topic. just because you speak to a couple people from some organisation we have never heard about means that thats any representation of Jamaican people in the US

Cee Dubya
3/8/2010

Why the distinction about the concerns of “Jamaicans in the Diaspora”? We are all Jamaicans and, whether you live in Jamaica, hither or yon, concern is concern. And, an expression of concern from another group of Jamaicans isn’t news. I’m not saying the voice of Jamaicans living overseas should not be regarded. But, don’t you hear that echo? It’s the repeated suggestions about what should be done re the passage of the Bills; about the court determining the legality of the means of evidence-gathering. If the same, or similar, sentiments have already been expressed by most Jamaicans, why is this a news item again?
At the same time, just wondering about the real value of designating people to speak on behalf of “Jamaicans in the Diaspora”. Given these (and other recent) utterances - those on voting privileges come to mind - I doubt they are really capturing the sentiments of the majority.
One more thing: Please tell me that Mr. Beckford, head of the DBNEUS, did not use the words “rouge state”. I know we might be blushing red from global embarrassment over several issues but, I’d feel better if it were ‘simply’ a typo.

3/8/2010

Kudoes Ras Benji! either we stand with self-respect,self-detrmination and principles, or we fal lfor anything!
Under what democratic process dis some of `em becomes spokepersons, for al other Jamaicans in diaspora/
Then the govt. is supposed to protect and serve, the born Jamaicans citizenry first; not USA or no principles first!
Like USA govt. first line is protection of its citizenry.
PNP s in foreign too, if, unno neva know...

Ras Benji
3/8/2010

No massive repercussions, wi too fraidy fraidy! This is a simple, legal, political and diplomatic matter that will be resolved very soon. There are bigger issues for the Jamaican people (both home and abroad) to worry about. THE ECONOMY STUPID!
One Love!

kevin vaccianna
3/8/2010

This is a joke..stop playing politics. The government is supposed to protect and serve and it cannot do that when it is dancing with the very people we are supposed to be protected from.

Patricia Bernard
3/8/2010

The great civilizers taught us about due process rights and the rights of the accused to confront his accusers etc. We have several human rights groups watching over us constantly to ensure that we continue to act civilized- so this is a test of such and surely you do not want us to fail. The Prime Minister has followed these teachings and his assessment is in keeping with such so Congrats Mr. PM-And what if this were YOU or your loved one, would you be demanding this 'resolution' so that others can get/keep their green card. Time to stand up for our rights. It does not matter if is Dudus or the virgin-mary- we are supposed to be guaranteed EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW- so says the civilized one.

Richie L
3/8/2010

The Observer, in these surveys of overseas Jamaicans, give false impressions. They interview a few people and all of a sudden they have a consensus on how Jamaicans in the diaspora is thinking.
.
I can tell you many Jamaicans do not keep up with what is going on in Jamaica, apart from family affairs. Many of them are not even aware of the burning issues of this extradition request or the Air Jamaica shutdown. Many are so concerned with their lives here, that if they do keep in touch with happenings in Jamaica, it is second hand.
.
Some Overseas Jamaicans , quite frankly, have washed their hands of Jamaica and see it as gone beyond repairs. I would venture to say it is a small minority that actually reads Jamaican newspapers online.
.
To say that "Dudas Jitters Hit J'cans in US is not representing the truth on the ground here in the States.
.
Richie

Elli Deedo
3/8/2010

Dear Editor;
With all this amount of discussions going on within the Jamaican circle; And all the Anxiety..about Jamaica might be held ransom by the American Government, because of their refusal to extradite a suspected crime boss; If they really and truly thinks this will happen..Do they not have a option as Jamaicans?:
Well our last resort will be to Fly out from wherever we are.
my flight is 9 Hrs to Jamaica. We must all meet in Jamaica.. And make it clear to the Golding Administration, that he has Two options; First option he must extradite this Man "Or Resign. Any failure to cooperate with our demands, will result in the destruction of his Administration..do we need more than this?) It's time we retreive our Country from those who Manufact Corruption, and exercize Partiality within the Justics System..several have been extradited without we knowing the Circumstances..Why is this one so Complex?) It's time we get out of our Shells and move: Jamaica is very much too devided, and as one writer said, the Country is on the brink of a revolution..and this is long to be seen..Intelligence have failed leaving us with one option..(REVOLT)

Careen Tucker
3/8/2010

I think it’s a load of crock; Americans protect their people why shouldn't Jamaica protect Jamaicans. What is "God Almighty" the all powerful America going to do? send all immigrants back, deprive us of food or storm down on us saying we have weapons of mass destruction or in this case man of mass destruction. Ah ah

3/8/2010

LOL this is joke.
The Economic destruction of Jamaica has been a long running sequel I think we should want to see that come to an end pronto.
Didn't the Sunday Observer faithfully convey the message that another request is in the works? Don't worry it soon be done all the trial and crassis!
..TG...

JA Cynic
3/8/2010

Jamaicans at home and abroad--indeed all small countries--had better get use to the most effective method of applying pressure being utilized by the USA--Weapon of Mass Visa Revocation (WMVR).This engenders widespread paranoia among the victim poulation and coupled with other traditional economic/military/aid/trade measures provide an explosive arsenal.
Harbour any doubts you wish, but check out the Honduran experience of just a few months ago.History is prone to be repeated ---fanciful diplomatic distinctions aside.
Travel Advisory seems to be on the cards.Montego Bay could suffer untold econmic fallout.
JA Cynic

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