‘It was me’ — Golding confesses

Golding confesses he sanctioned Manatt deal over ‘Dudus’ as JLP leader

BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Observer staff reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

AMID mounting criticisms over the Government's credibility, Prime Minister Bruce Golding yesterday admitted in Parliament that he had given the green light for the ruling party to engage the services of US law firm Manatt Phelps and Phillips.

Golding confessed that he had "sanctioned" persons in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to approach Manatt Phelps and Phillips to lobby the United States administration to drop its extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to face drug and gun-running charges there.

"I sanctioned the initiative, knowing that such interventions have in the past proven to be of considerable value in dealing with issues involving the governments of both countries. I made it absolutely, unmistakably clear, however, that this was an initiative to be undertaken by the party, not by or on behalf of the Government," the embattled Golding said.

Prior to the admission yesterday, the Government had fiercely denied any involvement in engaging the firm. Instead, it had said it was "persons within the JLP" who approached attorney-at-law Harold Brady in September last year to seek his assistance in facilitating the opening of discussions between the US authorities and the Government of Jamaica in seeking to resolve what had become a treaty dispute between the two countries.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the prime minister, also held firmly by an earlier statement to the House on March 16 this year in which he said "the Government of Jamaica has not engaged any legal firm, any consultant, any entity whatsoever in relation to any extradition matter other than deploying the resources that are available within the Attorney General's Department".

Said Golding: "That was the position then. It remains the position to this day."

He added that the only diversion since was a recent move by the administration to retain the services of constitutional lawyer, Dr Lloyd Barnett, QC, to seek a declaration from the court as to the duties of Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne as it related to the scope of her authority under the Extradition Treaty.

Amidst shouts of 'nonsense', 'rubbish', and 'I nevah know a man lie so' from Opposition benches, an unfazed Golding said the Government would without hesitation, facilitate the extradition of any Jamaican citizen wanted to stand trial for extraditable offences once the obligations under the Treaty were met.

"Christopher Coke is wanted for an alleged crime in the US for which he ought to be tried and the Government of Jamaica, consistent with its obligations under the Treaty, will do everything necessary to facilitate his extradition once it is done in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty and the laws of our country," the prime minister said.

The Jamaican Government has maintained that the US has acted in contravention of the Interception of Communications Act, arguing that evidence gathered by the US was illegally obtained.

"The Government maintains that the information presented in support of this particular request is unacceptable because it has been used in violation of Jamaican law and in contravention of the expressed order of a judge of the Supreme Court," Golding said, noting that from as far back as September of last year, the Government formally requested additional or separate information from the US authorities that would enable the minister to fulfil the request.

"We assured the US authorities that once this is done, the minister will sign the authorisation to proceed," Golding added.

Yesterday, under persistent questioning from Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Peter Phillips who had first questioned the engagement of the US law firm in March this year, Prime Minister Golding sought refuge in Standing Order provisions governing the conduct of questions when asked why he had not admitted to being the one to 'sanction' persons within the party to seek legal representation in the first place.

"...Why didn't you say so then?" Phillips asked.

"The question I was asked was whether the Government of Jamaica had engaged the services of Manatt," Golding said emphatically, noting that he had answered what was asked of him at the time.

When Phillips continued to press he said: "There is a great deal of latitude, many courtesies extended in this House but the member ought to be aware that in Standing Order 16 he can only ask a question of a minister in his official capacity in relation to his portfolio responsibilities; you cannot ask in the House anything about my responsibilities as party leader.

"Ask any question of me in terms of my official responsibilities and I am prepared to answer that...you cannot ask in this House anything about my responsibilities as a party leader," Golding said to shouts of disapproval from the Opposition.

Despite the intervention of House Speaker Delroy Chuck, who insisted that Golding was within his rights, an incensed Phillips charged that the prime minister was attempting to intimidate. Furthermore, Dr Phillips said there was nothing in the Standing Orders barring Golding from responding to questions about an issue which he said impugns the reputation of not just the Government but the entire country.

"Don't try come here and intimidate no one. Nobody not afraid and I don't think it is an appropriate way to treat the business of Jamaica," he said.

In his statement, Golding also maintained that Brady's firm was the one to hire Manatt, Phelps and Phillips. He also insisted that the US$49,892.62 paid to Manatt for its services was not paid from Government coffers, nor by Coke as rumoured, but by 'persons within the party'.

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COMMENTS (36)

Rob Davis
5/12/2010

now that the Prime Minister has confessed,he should now hand over the running of the country to EL Predidente Senor DUDDUS.

Efosa Airhumwunde
5/12/2010

Which party forms the government? I guest this is lies and deception think we can give it that name. Oh what disrespect does this government have for the educated people of Jamaica, does the PM thinks that Jamaicans are the members of his cabinet, uneducated, ignorant and arrogant? Oh what blatant lie to the country and most of all putting it on record in the house of parliament by denying any involvement. The parliament has become a dolly house now! I see the chef servant is now the chef slave master, with no regards for anyone or believes he should not answer questions put to him in the house of parliament by a member? How much longer Jamaica will you tolerate this government? Shouldn't the source of the funds that was donated disclose? This government must resign now before causing any future embarrassment to Jamaica!

critical thinker
5/12/2010

Paying a firm to lobby on Jamaica's behalf is no crime ------ that's just how the US government operates. Even the Nov. 2008 US presidential elections higlighted as an issue the strong influence of lobbyists in Washington. But Jamaicans only know and care about visas and green cards, that's why it seemed so 'corrupt' to them. Most US goverment - foreign government diplomatic conflicts are never dealt with publicly but are carried out by paid lobbyists with inside information and influence. Even rebel groups seeking money and weapons pay US lobbyists to approach the rich US goverment for help (UNITA, Contra, etc.). Countries like China, Egypt, and especially Israel get big favors each year through having a kind of permanent Iobby arrangement in Capitol Hill. I am not sure if this is supposed to be some kind of 'scandal'---- just because Jamaicans and Dr. Peter Phillips behave so self-righteoulsly ignorant at times. Does he expect to hear the word 'Dudus' out of Hillary Clinton's mouth?

Dorlan H. Francis
5/12/2010

This should put the matter to rest. That kind of manoeuvring is nothing new. And it does not compare to what occurred In the 1980s when two staunch supporter of the PNP who was wanted for murder got sanctuary in CUBA. They stayed there for 10 years and returned when the party came back to power. No one should think that it was some underling in the PNP who called Fidel to OK that deal. Everybody have their people they want to protect. Even the Holier than thou US. Why don't they extredite Louis Posada the alleged mastermind behind the boming of CUBANA airline in 1976 that murdered 73 people. Venezula has requested Posad's extridition. A US court has denied the request saying that Mr. Posada would be tortured in Venezula. What is "waterboarding"? Which country practice it? The same Posada who was convicted for having 200lbs of expolsive in an attempt to Kill Fidel in Panama in 2000 was pardon after 3 years on the request of a US PRESIDENT. Enough Hypocrisy! Lets move on.

otis grant
5/12/2010

while not as reprehensible as trafigura it is still awful.this man is turning is turning out to be worse than portia.a lot of persons are disappointed myself included.

Richard Edwards
5/12/2010

I am now fully convinced that politicians in Jamaica somehow think that the Jamaican peopler are stupid. So, approximately 50K USD was paid to MPP, but not from the public coffers but from people within the party. Bruce Golding people know damn well that a little man on the corner in some ghetto community cannot find 50k USD to pay a law firm, so stop talk the rubbish. So the whole damn set a you guys are hugging up criminals, and then you act like you all mean the country any good. Please Bruce, just do the honorable thing a resign, just looking at you on the tv these days is nauseating enough. You should be ashamed of yourself, you stood there the day you were sworn in a Jamaica's Primes minister, pretending to be a decent man, but I see that was only for the cameras, you are a disappointment to every single Jamaican and to the good members of your party. You prove to be much worst that the PNP, just go Bruce Please.
Richard Edwards NYC
betterlifeforjamaicans@yahoo.com

Claude Ingram
5/12/2010

“Aaye Sah”! What a “sinting eeh”? Talk about being economical with the truth.
You know political parties need funding to fight elections, they need lost of shekels, and from what’s been said at least J$1 billion was spent in the last election by a certain party. Now, I ask you, does the chief fund raiser reside at a West Kingston address. Does the gold plated one owe this magnanimous benefactor a squeeze? I say this. The business community who helped bank rolled this administration into power, had better be very careful who “dem kin teet wid”, or some of the fowl (foul) du-dus a go rub off “pon” them and they too might have a credibility issue.

Danavan smith
5/12/2010

Golding you can fool some people some of the time but you cant fool every body all the time,no wandre this country is where it is with all this crimes, how can the leader or a country making back door deal for alleged gun runner drug dealer and then on the other hand talking about geting information illegal and man consititutional right been breach up front? golding you are two face and you give the good people of jamaica basket to carry water, you are a deceiving self- centered and you need to resign. i hope there is way to impeach you too. the only sad thing we dont have am alternative to vote in as the other party is head by some people who live in a glass house so they cant trow stone.

Millicent Elliott
5/12/2010

Is this the "new" game of semantics? WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicolas Henry
5/12/2010

@ Junior blacks/// Tell me which politician in Jamaica, for that matter any politician that tells the truth. If you don't tell the people what they want to hear you'll never get elected. We the people of Jamaica don't want anything better. Bruce denounced garrison politics and left the JLP for the NDM. That party never stood a chance of getting elected. He only won because he rejoined the JLP and represented a Garrison. Do you remember the story about Heather Robinson? Google that name and read on. We the majority of the people in Jamaica want corrupted government, love garrisson, respect bad men,lawds political tribalism, use every opportunity to bribe our way through the system to get a unfair advantage. If we don't address the root causes of our problem we will then be discussing situation like this for decades to come.

jay jamaica
5/12/2010

golding no no u screw up the country even more defending criminal am not suprise him did say hes gonna fight 4 dudus at all cost

JONATHAN PORTER
5/12/2010

This is unbelievable, what kind of poppy show goverment this. They should just "TEK WEY DEM SELF. Trust me its not at all unreasonable to ask for their resignation with immediate effect.

james bond
5/12/2010

Bruce should go and find Dudus and serve court paper on him so he can attend court.
What a whimp of a man bruce is.
WASTE MAN BRUCE GOLDING.

Dee Cee
5/12/2010

INTEGRITY - the quality of having strong MORAL principles.
" Every Prime Minister must have integrity ."

george watson
5/12/2010

ONE THING WE WILL NEED TO KNOW. IN THE FUTURE HOW WILL WE KNOW WHETHER THE PRIME MINISTER IS SPEAKING IN HIS CAPACITY AS LEADER OF THE JLP OR AS LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT?,

Jaye Stone
5/12/2010

Public regard or Golding has moved from mild distaste through disgust to anger. Never has the general public ever been this worked up about any leader, and amazingly, this cuts across party lines. Even some JLP hardliners are calling on the PM to resign. Will he listen? No. I don't think he is that sensitive to read into what public sentiment is feeling, and he has no shame, like the rest of them in the political class.
You see this Westminster-style government is only effective where there is honour. And there is none among our politicians. There ought to be a no-confidence vote against this creep.

dale Morris
5/12/2010

There was not much choice the US is about layout the encounter and prove the government is questionable. Jamaica finds it self in a situation where the powers on either side is greater than that of the PM. The turning point in Jamaica politics is HERE I will wait to see if Daryl Vaz Apologize to the people or act as if this was unkown to him or his he going continue to turn it over to the authorities as he state. What a Calamity and Embarassment LIADS.

overton flemming
5/12/2010

I am ashamed of my Government,this is the worst than anything the PNP has done over their 18yrs.I wonder which hat the PM is wearing today?The leader of the JLP or the leader government.This is not what i had voted for,i would not want this man to be involved with any of my family member,he can't be trusted,he is one of those who has the iformer fe dead syndrome.

JA Cynic
5/12/2010

We need to know who are the "persons within the JLP" who hatched this scheme. Are those "persons within the JLP" the same as the "persons within the Cabinet"?
Who are those "Friends of the JLP" who contributed financially to this initiative.? Are they beneficiaries of government contracts/state largesse?How were such funds amassed--voluntary contributions or gentle extortion?
JA Cynic

Junior Buck
5/12/2010

dem lie, dem lie dem lie lie lie lie bad. prime minister lie, information minister lie, industry minister lie, jlp leader lie, jlp gen sec lie, govt lawyer lie, jlp lawyer lie. dem lie ,dem lie , lie lie lie bad. jamaica deserves better, the gangster govt must resign. there is also too much talk of intimidation and of people being afraid. golding you will feel the wrath of jamaica if you do not resign. think about your wife and children, as you have set some dangerous precedents in this entire issue. it is not that we dont know the truth, it is that we were giving you the oppurtunity to come clean, but you are still hiding the reality. are you telling the people who contributed monies to your party that you took that money and paid huge law firm in defence of ja's most powerful gang leader? Is the AG telling the nation that a man who receives millions in contracts have no known address? I say check ja house and vale royal for him. dem lie dem lie lie lie lie bad. resignation now, now.

JA Cynic
5/12/2010

So Golding, the Leader of the JLP, sanctioned the Brady intiative; but did he make such known to the GOJ's chief legal advisor-the AG, the Minister of Justice--the one handling the extradition matter , or the Chair of the JLP Law Committee. Those positions are held by one person.
The conspiracy was hatched in September 2009, yet she claims that she was unaware of MP&P until March16,2010. The SG had met with representative of MP&P in Decmber 2009, invited them to a meeting between Jamaica & US Dept of State & Dept of Justice. After that we are now told that there were email exchanges between the SG and MP&P re; a joint press release about that meeting. And the AG & Minister of Justice remained blissfully unaware???
At the very least this indicates a lack of confidence ,if not questionable competence.
She should do the honourable thing and resign.
JA Cynic

anthony dunn
5/12/2010

Bruce i now expect you and your goons to go one step further and RESIGN!!!!!

ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID
5/12/2010

It seems as if Mr. Golding has become the master of prevarication(s), and like PINOCCHIO is nose gets longer everytime he addresses the DUDUS issue and the Manat, Phelps and Philips matter. Is Prime Minister Golding similar to Geppetos puppet, PINOCCHIO ? Also, does he believe rational and well thinking Jamaicans will accept the drivel he expectorated in parliament yesterday regarding the JLP retaining the services of the law firm Manat , Phelps and Philips?!! Well, if Jamaicans buy such garbage from Mr. Golding, I think I will be able to sell them the Brooklyn Bridge !! Undoubtedly, we have a Prime Minister whose nose seems to be getting longer each time he tries to unravel himself from this extradition mess. Mr. Golding, please come better than this. In other words WHEEL AND COME AGAIN and please stop being like PINOCCHIO !! Being the master of prevarications is definitely not good for the maximum leader of a country.Certainly, an elongated nose is not attractive !!

anton brown
5/12/2010

If this was America he would be impeached!!! Misleading and 1/2 truths under the guise of a "technical" answer is still a lie, and we still spank our children when they try it, and we all know it was wrong.

gary case
5/12/2010

This man must resign if he has any dignity. This is not about Peter Philips it is about the Prime Minister of our country trying to protect one of the worst criminals in the country now we know why they cant put a handle on crime because they are in bed with even the leader of the country whay a shame I am hanging my head in shame this morning whay about you PM.

ras mag
5/12/2010

It will be very interesting to read the comments later. Will be back shortly.

N Manley Blythe
5/12/2010

@ joe wilson
So what are you saying? We should accept wrongdoing because everybody does it? Accept immorality because everybody is immoral?

N Manley Blythe
5/12/2010

I am not understanding why the PM would be sanctioning people in the party to seek lobbyists to drop charges of guns/drugs smuggling against any individual if there is evidence to support the charge. What is he saying?Ok you have evidence that could put this man in jail but please don't, please look the other way? In what capacity does anyone have the authority to be immoral? I am confused here.
"I sanctioned the initiative, knowing that such interventions have in the past proven to be of considerable value in dealing with issues involving the governments of both countries."
Isn't the issue whether or not the man is extraditable? Shouldn't the talks have been about the treaty between governments? How is this mans' charge an issue between governments? Help me out someone because I am totally confused here.
Inasmuch as I'm pleased with the progress so far by holness tufton and bartlett, I am displeased with the pm for what appears to be an unethical and immoral stand. He should resign.

Dave Barry
5/12/2010

If what the Prime Minister is TRUE, then it begs the question: How much money has Mr. Coke Donated to the JLP in recent times? Is the PM, as Leader of the PARTY, prepare to disclose the ALL donations to the party within a certain time span, specifically, the period after the Extradition request became known to the PARTY. This would serve to clear the air as to whether the JLP/Party was serving as a conduit for the payment to Manatt.
.
One would also like to hear from the Party Leader if he is oppose to having the police releasing ALL the tape recordings made by them to the general public.
.
It would be nice if the PM could comment on whether the evidence from the wire tapping exercise has met the legal hurdle of a crime being committed by Mr. Coke in Jamaica. Mr. PM, things does not bode well for you at this juncture. Lying to the Jamaican people and using bogus excuses for signing the extradition request clearly shows you have total contempt for the people of Jamaica. Resign NOW

Athelin Scott
5/12/2010

No credibility here. I am beyond being able to give him the benefit of the doubt. Mr Golding you say you did not give this answer at first because it was considered party business not Govt business but you are now explaning this in the Parliament aren't you? And if so why not proffer this explanation weeks ago in the many opportunities given your information minister "outside of parliament".
I do not believe you. its that simple.

Jay Brown
5/12/2010

So the Manatt issue has come full circle and splat in the face of Bruce.
So who initiated the contacts with Manatt, Bruce said he sanctioned it, which in my mind means he was approached and gave his approval.
Bruce Golding should resign forthwith, he has lied and misled the Jamaican people, and in so doing has lost our trust.
This man has zero credibility left, and has confirmed what Mr Seaga said about him some years back.
The JLP was seen as an alternative to the then corrupt PNP, I shudder to think that almost three years later, we are thinking about putting back that corrupt administration into power.
I believe its time the NDM step up to the plate and make itself relevant, this is its moment, will they take it.

Charles Morales-Lewin
5/12/2010

I guess this is how long it takes to split hairs.

Dwight Barnes
5/12/2010

I am in a total quandary as I read this report. I have never seen such a more distasteful development. The country's reputation in the international arena has been marred by this myopic and inept administration. On what ground is it morally appropriate for a PM to give orders that a law firm be contracted to lobby a next government on behalf of a known criminal? Where is the transparency and corruption free government that the JLP campaigned on ? It is indeed repulsive and retrograde and adding insult to injury as the PM in concert with government members try to rationalize his move in Parliament.
Dem really tek wi fi kunumunu. But wi nuh idiot, we need fi demand the liad PM resignation. Them need fi go.

Elroy Jackson
5/12/2010

I am so dissappointed in U Mr. Golding...Why couldnt U say all that U say now 7-8 weeks ago. How can any1 believe anything U say here-on-forth. I am ashamed & U 2 should B ashamed. U should step aside but then again who within your party can take over coz I believe they all knew as well. I respect U 2 CONFESS that much. Is this just the TIP of the ICEBERG? Let's C how HONOURABLE U R. If U R, U would step aside. A soh mi seh. and I am sure others feel just the same. PS...I voted for U & your party that year U ran against PJ. I was CHAUFFEUR driven from 1 parish 2 D next by supporters 2 vote 4 U coz U spoke about change. My dad warned against that but little did I know as I was inexperienced then...SHAME ON U...SHAME on MY mother to PUT U in POWER!!!!!!!!

joe wilson
5/12/2010

peter phillip is just as bad as bruce no better herring no better barrel,when dem want power dem chat all kind of thing against each other,am jamaica people will never wise up an think for themselfs,come on people wake up they are politician same people with different views.

george watson
5/12/2010

I am not going to go on about this, as anything I write here would not (rightly so) be published by the Observer. It would be against public decency and the license of the Observer would be pulled(?)
I will leave it to the editorials, the publioc commentators and the talk shows, although I would ask that the delays on these calls be for a minimum of two minutes since it is not fitting that we should treat the prime minister with the disrespect that he deserves. I cannot explain the shame and anguish that I feel this morning as a Jamaican.
Suffice it to say that if I feel lke this and am not him, how he must feel HAVING TO LIVE with himself for 24/7/365. BUT IT IS APPARENT THAT HE HAS NO CONSCIENCE.
The man deserves to be pitied.

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‘It was me’ — Golding confesses