Pressure builds on PM

Friday, May 14, 2010

A powerful group of private sector and union bodies charged with charting solutions to the country's social and economical problems yesterday suspended its agenda in light of Prime Minister Bruce Golding's admission on Tuesday that he had sanctioned the hiring of US law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby Washington for a favourable outcome in the contentious Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition saga.

The Partnership for Transformation (PFT), which meets monthly, said in a release yesterday that the suspension was necessary to afford its members time to discuss with their constituents the prime minister's revelation with a view to developing their respective positions on the matter before the next scheduled meeting in June.

"In light of the recent developments surrounding the extradition and Manatt affairs, the organisations this morning asked for a suspension of today's PFT meeting agenda in order to canvas their members to decide on the way forward," the release said.

"The decision was made in the context of concerns regarding fundamental issues of governance, the spiralling crime situation and the links between organised crime and the political directorates of both parties, which lie at the heart of the current controversies surrounding the extradition matter, the Manatt affair and their broader implications," the release said.

The organisations representing the private sector in the PFT are the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Alliance, the Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA) and the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA). The unions are represented by the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU).

Disrupted by yesterday's agenda suspension were discussions on fundamental issues of trust among the PFT partners and a code of conduct for leaders in Government, civil society and other institutions.

In the face of repeated calls for the Government to reveal the facts in the Manatt affair, Golding finally told Parliament that he had sanctioned the hiring of the law firm. He, however, said the decision was made in his capacity as leader of the Jamaica Labour Party and not as prime minister.

Golding's confession has been juxtaposed with his vehement denial in Parliament on March 16 when Opposition MP Dr Peter Phillips first questioned whether the Government had retained the law firm to lobby Washington on treaty issues.

The fallout from the admission was swift, with the Opposition People's National Party and members of the wider public calling for Golding's resignation.

The current saga was triggered by the United States' request last August for the extradition of Coke, the reputed Tivoli Gardens don who is wanted in the US on drug- and gun-running charges.

Relations between Washington and Kingston have been strained by the Golding administration's refusal to act on the extradition request. The administration is contending that the US has presented illegally obtained wire-tap evidence against Coke.

Yesterday, PSOJ President Joseph Matalon told the Observer that in the face of all that has happened the PFT members felt that it could not be business as usual.

"The fact is that with all of this development and the issue of the brutality of major crimes and the fact that both independent researchers and members of the respective political parties have in the past acknowledged the links between the political parties and some of these organised crime elements within the society, those are really the underlining issues to be dealt with and the feeling of the membership was that it can't be business as usual," said Matalon.

"We are hopeful that the partnership mechanism can be helpful in resolving some of the issues that we are faced with and in particular some of these underlining issues," he added.

Danny Roberts, vice-president of the JCTU, agreed.

"The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions supports that position," he told the Observer. "We are of the view that it was critical to have a suspension of the PFT talks."

Unions, he said, will be meeting Monday to discuss the implication that Golding's admission has on the issue of governance, the rule of law, issues of criminality and the link between politics and crime. "Those are the kinds of central issues around which we want to conduct our discussions -- things that impact upon the Jamaican society," said Roberts.

"There is a growing issue of trust and credibility and the question of openness and transparency. We are not here to judge that, but we cannot ignore that perception," he added. "Therefore, our concern would be what is it that needs to be done to restore and create a sense of trust. It is much more than talking; it speaks to the question of the kind of action we need to take to sever some of the links with garrison politics.

President of the JEA Vitus Evans, speaking with the Observer after the meeting, said a position would not be forthcoming before next week as the groups will be speaking as one on the issue.

The PFT has a number of subsidiary working teams charged with looking at fiscal and monetary performance, tax policy and administrative reform, job creation and employment strategies, rule of law, and education.

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COMMENTS (32)

avid equin
5/14/2010

Bruce Golding stated most stridently that he was willing to pay the ultimate political price on the Christopher Coke issue
Well, the price is the leadership of the political executive of the country
Why the equivocation at this juncture ?
The time has come for that price to be paid
The price is now
Walk the talk Bruce

Valen Wilson
5/14/2010

Bruce, when you become Prime Minister you take off party hat and it should be whats better for Jamaica and not the JLP, base on that lame excuse you should GO since its more important to be the leader of the JLP than the leader of this beautiful nation.
Bruce you have lost trust and credibility with the PSOJ, Unions and the citizens of Jamaica. I thinks its better you govern the JLP than Jamaica since its clear where your priority lies.
Where is the rank and file JLP members calling for Bruce resignation?

Axel Foley
5/14/2010

William Bustamante, Reach out and touch Jamaica if you can!!
Come together all Jamaicans near and far and lets show dem politicians who a grease the engine. A national strike, all feet march to Bruce office demanding a change of course for Jamaica. Immediate changes or him have to step down.

Danavan smith
5/14/2010

The people or jamaica will not take to the street in protest,not because they dont want to , but because of fear of reprisal from the same elements Bruce golding to protecting.

Kweli Simba
5/14/2010

@ David Armstrong; that is another approach to sanity. However, that would be a decision for the people of Jamaica and Bruce to determine. In the present climate where everyone is out for blood I dont know how that message would fare. The opposition has decided not to let this issue rest.

John Brown
5/14/2010

This is simple as A B C, politricks run Jamaica and it is a burning shame. I never believe Golding initial statement of protecting the rights of Jamaican citizens, he was just protecting his # 1 party enforcer. I still believe that Dudus should not be extradited to the USA because him never commit any crime in that country. The U.S. government should curb there citizens appetite for narcotics.
Everybody a rail up bout Golding indiscretion, but be real, Jamaican politicians are corrupt and dem always talk out a two side a dem mouth. The PNP is no better because they define corruption. Also, Bulbie embarrassed them and he is not here anymore, and there were others before Bulbie, Zeeks Dudus etc and they are not here anymore. One thing, PNP know how fi cover up & deal with corruption base on there vast experience and it seems like Golding is new to this thing as the leader of the JLP. LOL!!
A who we a go turn to now fi decent leadership. Dawg nyam wi suppa. We need a new national hero.

avid equin
5/14/2010

Bruce did proudly say that he was willing to pay the ultimate political price in defense of Coke.
Well the time has finally arrived.
The time is now.
The price is the loss of the leadership of the executive.
Walk the talk Bruce.

Hugh Danville
5/14/2010

As Jamaicans we have all been concerned about the crime wave in Jamiaca now do we see the reason for it ? It begins at the top

Wa Tch
5/14/2010

@ Mark Jones. On the money Sir.
We need to see those emails.
Vaz and Golding kept challenging anybody to provide documentation that the government engaged MP&P. Well since they say it is the JLP show us the documents saying the JLP engaged them.
Show us if you bad!

David Armstrong
5/14/2010

If Mr. Golding want to restore his credibility, his integrity, and confidence that he can govern Jamaica effectively he must do the following things:
1) Denounce his ties to don and implement laws that will prevent MPs and other politicians from associating with them.
2) Allow the extradition of Dudus to go forward (this would honor the extradition treaty between the two countries and send a strong message that would be consistent with item 1above)
3) Put the military on alert to squelch and disturbance that arising from his actions to allow the extradition of Dudus.
4)Establish a set of tough actions designed to deal with hardcore criminal and that will deter their terrorism on vulnerable Jamaicans.
The above items are common sense things to do but unfortunately political leaders like Mr. Golding have lost the control and ability to implement these measures because of their ties to the criminal element. It will take extraordinary courage for Mr. Golding to do the above

Kweli Simba
5/14/2010

It cannot be business as usual with the current situation in Jamaica. The PFT's decision to pull back and reconsider is sign to rhe govt. that the landscape needs changing. I however hope the measures they decide upon do not impact the country economically because of the behavior of the PM. The calls for nationwide strikes is counter productive and will only put the country in more problem. Protests of the sort that is recommended is also unwise. The country has finally seated an opposition party that is on its toes in the fight to oust he present govt. With such a viable force on hand the govt. could be kept in check rather than the civil disorder that many of us emotionally is asking for. It is what it is, now let us find a olution to the problem rather that escalate disorder. I dont purport to have the answer to the question but I will have to go more toward the more reasoned comment made by George Watson. We usually are at opposite ends of the discussion but I think he is on to something today.

dave brown
5/14/2010

not jus bruce but the whole a him cabinet ministers needs 2 go they all know about this.

Concerned Citizen
5/14/2010

I would like to know if the PNP is the better Option if Bruce Resigns.... I dont think so ... I think that Jamaica is caught between a rock and a hard place!! God help us !!

Richie L
5/14/2010

Instead of talking I wish the unions would call for a national strike.
.
I wish they would call for people from all over Jamaica to converge on Kingston and carry out mass protest until bruce golding resigns.
.
Enough of the talking. Enough of the over-intellectualizing.
.
Organize mass action in front of Jamaica House and Parliament until the little man bruce golding get the message that he has to go.
.
Where is our Martin Luther King, Jr.?
.
Richie

tickyticky fish
5/14/2010

The honourable thing to do is for the Prime Minister and some of his ministers who are involved in this bondulo "business" are to resign.
They will not be able to govern the country effectively because they can't sleep at night they know that the US is investigating them and wondering if they are going to loose their US visas, or if the US is rolling out the invasion map of Jamaica.
Bwoy tory a cum to bump.

Brad Kerr
5/14/2010

The government should have been busy meeting with the stakeholders in getting a new MOU, putting some type of MICRO economics to work for the country to lift the various sectors from the pits. All the energies was to have been placed into getting Jamaica on path to sustainable growth. Instead we have a major distraction, an international crisis and a PM whose credibility is shot to smithereens. It is strange when they ask the Jamaicans to to sacrifice yet they are not willing to. See the JDX, Teacher pay, Nurses and Police pay all sacrifices. Yet this PM wants to stand up in Parliament and admit he mis led the body and it should all end there . How can you expect stakeholder to cooperate with you going further. These people now knows they do not have a partner in in the PM . The PSOJ, JCTU, and JEA must be wondering what have we gotten ourselves into. Bruce stop practicing the law and lead the country, the whole country not just West Kingston. we need leadership to grow...

JA Cynic
5/14/2010

Remember the days of Rock Steady--Hopeton Lewis" Sound & Pressure".
What is going to happen when the pressure drops? Now it is only sounds.
Ooooh,ooweee sound & pressure; Oooooh ooowweee!! pressure drop!
And that is no sankey.
JA Cynic

Anthony James
5/14/2010

The Bruce Golding government has lost its moral authority to govern Jamaica. It is time for a PARADIGM SHIFT in the way the business of governance is conducted. Criminality, corruption and the "eat a food" mentality has got to be rooted out in Jamaica!

Jimmy James
5/14/2010

Mr. Golding is too greedy for power for him to resign.

bless williams
5/14/2010

RENETO ADAMS FOR PRIME MINISTER START YOUR CAMPAIGN I WILL VOTE

JA Cynic
5/14/2010

Some "persons within the JLP"--(remembe rthat grouping?)--are considering the Samuda option having rejected the return of Uncle Eddie.
Golding has become unmarketable in just 30 months as PM.
JA Cynic

Roderick Spence
5/14/2010

The US send extradation paper for Mr Golding. I was aiding and abetting a crime. Blocking the course of justice.

Jah Selassi
5/14/2010

Nothing else must be discussed except Mr. Golding resignation!
This man has chosen the shield Tivoli Garden strongman Dudus over the well-being of Jamaica.
Him arrogantly admitting that he lied to the nation all these months and he is not willing to discuss the issue any further is approaching tyranny.
Mr. Golding has stolen the freedom of the local Jamaicans with his association with murderers. He has brought utter shame to Jamaicans living abroad with his flipant disregard to international treaties. In short he is the most corrupted PM Jamaica has ever seen.
If he is chief servant, can we fire him? How do we impeach such a corrupted Prime Minister? Jamaica must return to a nation of laws and we must show the world Jamaica is bigger than Mr. Golding and his boss Dudus.

Dorlan H. Francis
5/14/2010

STAND FIRM Bruce. A new day will dawn soon. In everyone life a little rain must fall. Rain cause renewal and growth.

God Bless
5/14/2010

I trust that the Private Sector Org. will put Jamaica first and leave out the politics in coming to their decisions.

joe wilson
5/14/2010

bruce weh yu a cry fah mi doops,yu nuh think yu caan handle it anymore,well this is my advice to step down,give it up, yu have notthing to loose, we are the looser

george watson
5/14/2010

I think the next move of the private sector is to DEMAND a government of NATIONAL UNITY, which will then change the Constitution and put in place proper structures for effective governance.
A first demand would be the dismantling of GARRISONS, THE REPORTING OF CAMPAIGN FINANCING, and swift and punitive justice FOR ANY FORM OF CORRUPTION.
It should also tale a very serious look at economic crimes AND MAKING SABOTAGE OR THE fostering of it a very serious offence. Too often in their quest for power these crimes are planned by the political parties in the dead of night, and it is only we the people of Jamaica who suffer.
We should also demand a higher standard from our media, including the talk shows, which too often use their vaunted positions of power to push for their own agenda, whether political or otherwise.
Political parties should have nothing to do with who are awarded contracts or jobs in certain categories and breaches of these should be looked at in a very serious light with criminal proceeding taken forthwith.
These are just rough ideas which could be smoothed out and more added, but we need to start somewhere.
Left up to their own devices these political parties will never change, so let’s change the landscape for them.
After all this is sorted out we would then call fresh elections with the political parties vying for power.
The only problem is that with the bottom of the gravy train falling out we might have very few candidates offering themselves for selection.

Jay Brown
5/14/2010

Bruce is in an untenable situation and must resign. Jamaicans must keep up the pressure - no nine day wonder stuff.

Beresford Davidson
5/14/2010

Oh please!

Claude Ingram
5/14/2010

I agree with the suspension of the PFT talks. It cannot be business as usual with the present administration. The whole country is in uproar over the PM/JLP leader’s behaviour and no one is sure which other member of the JLP/Ministers of State is directly implicated in this mess. The PSOJ and other groups involved in these discussions will need to be absolutely sure who they are having these talks with before it can resume. Is it with the Government of Jamaica or the Jamaica Labour Party?

Rob C
5/14/2010

Lets 'GO' Golding, Lets GO!
or should that be "Let Go"?

mark jones
5/14/2010

You know one fact we still have not considered is whether the latest version is in fact the TRUTH, as it still directly contradicts Manatts Filing with the US DoJ.
Remember there is no way a law firm of that stature could be mistaken as to who they are dealing with.......we are not talking about the average joe, but attorneys whose very job is to dot every I and cross evry T
What if Manatt decides to start talking further as i suspect they will given what was written in the AMLAW Daily yesterday about the Columbian Bar being asked to investigate MPP on their dealings with JA.....I suggest readers take a read; http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawdaily/2010/05/jamaican.html
I applaud the Partenrship for taking such a move and for broadening it beyond the scope to include the PNP as well

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