Ronald Robinson resigns as senator, junior minister

Friday, May 21, 2010

DR Ronald Robinson yesterday walked away from the embattled Bruce Golding-led Government, resigning as a senator and junior foreign minister.

The former junior minister, who cited family concerns as his reason for leaving the administration, apologised for his part in the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips affair, suggesting that the issue may have helped to play a part in his decision.

A co-founder of Generation 2000 (G2K) -- the young professionals arm of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) -- Dr Robinson was appointed senator and minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in September 2007.

Yesterday, in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Dr Robinson admitted that his contact with Manatt "could have been inappropriate".

"For that I accept responsibility and should not have met with them, and for that I apologise. Note, however, that my only contact with the firm was twice between November 19 and 20, which was a full month or so after the website postings," Dr Robinson said.

He was in April this year identified as the Government official who met with officials of Manatt, the firm that was reportedly engaged by the Jamaican Government to lobby the United States to drop its extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to face drug- and gun-running charges there.

The identity of the minister was revealed after the Washington Post reported that a Jamaican Government minister had sat in on at least one of several meetings that Manatt officials had with Obama administration officials, weeks after a New York grand jury indictment against Coke.

Up to that point Jamaican Government officials had denied that an arrangement was reached between itself and the firm.

In what has become an unending maze, JLP General Secretary Karl Samuda then identified Robinson as the government official, but downplayed his involvement.

"...Dr Ronald Robinson, minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, while on a visit to Washington on November 20, 2009, had a brief social encounter with a representative of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips after having declined an invitation by Mr Harold Brady to attend a meeting at the State Department," Samuda said at the time.

Robinson himself, at the time, also denied that he met with US State Department officials and representatives of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and held that his encounter with the Manatt representative was over drinks and lasted for about half-an-hour.

Yesterday, further explaining the reason for his resignation, Dr Robinson said his wife, who had been ailing for some time and who had undergone two major surgeries, the latest being on May 18, needed his attention at this time.

He said it is clear that with the pressures of being state minister, over the last two-and-a-half years, have taken their toll "and I have not been able to be as supportive as I need to be to her". He said after "careful thought" he and his wife had seen the decision to resign as the best at this time.

The People's National Party's Dr Peter Phillips, who has led the relentless charge on the Government to disclose its involvement with Manatt, yesterday said it was possible Robinson had been the 'fall guy' for the JLP.

"Based upon comments one has been hearing, I believe he was himself deeply troubled by not only the fact that he had been in contact, but by the circumstances surrounding the whole affair...," Phillips said.

He, however, expressed respect for Robinson, noting that his resignation signalled a sense of honour which others in the JLP could do well to adopt.

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COMMENTS (23)

D C
5/21/2010

The JLP strategists realized that someone has to resign so they chose someone whose resignation in their eyes would do the least damage to the Party and Bruce Golding’s cabinet (in that order). Unacceptable! Why does Robinson have to resign? Did he act on his own accord? No he did not, regardless of whatever capacity Bruce Golding claimed he was acting on sanctioned the meetings. It is obvious that Bruce Golding’s speech writer has only penned what he thinks are the right words to say. According to his speech if Bruce for once will let his actions follow his talks he will really take responsibility for his actions as he should. Taking responsibility Mr. Prime Minister is not just saying so, you have to carry the weight and pay the price. To whom much is given much is expected and at this time the Jamaican people are waiting still waiting for your resignation!

Kweli Simba
5/21/2010

It is not unusual or illegal for govt. to hire other non-govt. entities to negotiate on matters that requires a certain expertise. That said, are we angry that the JLP or the govt. retained MP&P or because the PM misled parliament and the country on the matter. The resignation of Mr. Robinson does not make the retainer illegal. It is his refusal to tell the truth in the first place. I wouldn't credit him with "fall-guy" status. He states that the illness of his wife and the pressures of the job requires him to leave at this time. In addition, it is much easier for a junior minister who have not yet experienced the fires of Jamaican politics to cut and run in hopes of salvaging his political future. What is done is done and the continued call for resignation is futile. The PM has asked the nation for forgiveness and as it appears the people have tentatively given the go ahead. The major thrust should be the stabilizing of the west kingston area and the apprehension of Dudus. Bruce is right where the country wants him. He will be under the tight scrutiny of the opposition and the major sectors of the society. This vitriol does not foster an early return to calm it only exacerbate the matter. We must move on.

mark kendall
5/21/2010

To all Portlanders : Make sure that West Portland, represented by Daryl Vaz, does not become a Garrison.

5/21/2010

He served no useful purpose, anyway. He was just living the high life off tax-payers money. Now he needs to use that education and find a real job. Minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs----What a joke.

True Democracy
5/21/2010

If according to the PM it was wrong for the JLP to (want to) hire M.P.P. why did he accept the resignation of Dr. Robinson since it was because of him, M.P.P. got the understanding that they were representing the GOVT? Granted Lobbying is not wrong.

Wa Tch
5/21/2010

It was amusing to watch the reply of Robinson on TV. Therein he remarked, "You know when you know that you have not done anything wrong?"
Now we hear of 2 contacts and at the home of the Ambassador? What the devil is going on?
You were right to go. Let us see if the PM will follow.

Wilfred Gray
5/21/2010

got tricked by pnps, in the `pnp organized ,phony groups.

Droula Don
5/21/2010

It's honorable that he is resigning. That's the best thing to do. I hope the others will follow, especially Bruce, Daryl Vaz and Karl Samuda. the cabinet needs to be dissolved.

Nicky Doo
5/21/2010

Well done Dr. Robinson. This is a honourable thing to do. Co-ward Bruce and his Administration, look listen and learn. Who will be next.

Richard Wayne
5/21/2010

Vampire, Vampire, Vampire!! Good riddance - you are just another party activist that lied about this issue!! At least you had the decency to step aside! All the best to you and your family!

N Manley Blythe
5/21/2010

I welcome your resignation Dr Robinson. You have shown what honourable men do when they have wronged a Country. May your wife recover as quickly as possible.
The resignations of Mr Golding, Mr Samuda, Dr Baugh, Dr Chang, Mr Vaz, and all else complicit in Manatt saga must follow.
I do not want to hear about apologies. To this day we do not have a clue what the truth is, now, we have the Tivoli seige, and we don't have a clue about this one either.
New leaders required, Holness and Tufton.

Just Saying
5/21/2010

Mr. Robinson, you have become a Ronin. It is a tough title to wear as it "appears" that you are up for disembowelment in the tradition of seppuku.
Well, if you as honorable as you think you are, you should really exposed the entrenched corruption that pervades the political system in addition to recusing yourself from future representational politics.

Andrea Watson
5/21/2010

what I have learnt personally from this JLP mess is that its better to talk to truth or just shut up,its not the easiest thing to do but to do otherwise could be very costly. He is not the only person who should resign, but someone has to be the fall guy. I know the JLP never expected this to have become the MESS it has but it should be a lesson to everyone, BE CAREFUL OF THE SCHEME YOU DEVISE
IT MAY BECOME THE PATHWAY TO YOUR DEMISE.

David Armstrong
5/21/2010

According to a Washington Post article published April 16, 2010, Attorneys from Manatt Phelps & Phillips had at least six contacts with Obama administration officials that included a Jamaican minister. That official if it is not Dr. Robinson should come forward and do the following: apologize and/or resign.

justice justice
5/21/2010

Well done Robinson. It is now time for Bruce to resign.This is in the best interest of the JLP, Jamaica, the PNP & everybody. If Bruce dont resign the world will move out of recession & Jamaica leave in the mud. Another member of the JLP could lead party or country.The face of the leader of Jamaica must be change also the face of the leader of the JLP. Jamaica cant move forward with Bruce as it leader. The JLP cant be taken serious if the allow Bruce to continue as their leader. In the interest of Jamaica Bruce Resign. You are a stumbling block to everything good.

justice justice
5/21/2010

Well done Robinson. It is now time for Bruce to resign.This ins in the best interes of the JLP, Jamaica, the PNP & everybone. If Bruce dont resign the world will move out of recession & Jamaica leave in the mud. Another member of the JLP could lead party or country.The face of the leader of Jamaica must be chang. also the face of the leader of the JLP. Jamaica cant move forward with Bruce as it leader. The JLP cant be taken serious if the allow Bruce to continue as their leader. In the interest of Jamaica Bruce Resign.

Alessandro Ferrari
5/21/2010

This is a classic fall guy scenario! Why is he apologizing when the prime minister has already said that he sanctioned the hiring of the law firm? He needs to leave his wife out of this because if it took two years to figure that he has not been there for her, he then needs marital counseling. It's time that people stop taking all Jamaicans for idiots. The resignations should be coming from Bruce and his cabinet. This affair has tarnished our reputation and if there is anything honest about the prime minister and if there is any integrity in him, then he needs to do the right thing. Just look at Tivoli and you will see where his leadership moves have taken us. The place reminds me of Gaza before Israel struck. God have mercy on us! Jay Brown says the JLP is now cleansed, but if you have a dirty car and you throw water on it and leave it, is it clean? I rest my case!

Chuck Emanuel
5/21/2010

Those who seek to lead our people, must be measured by the guiding principles of integrity, morality and the rule of law.

Paul Lewis
5/21/2010

The stone which Bruce has pushed uphill is now on its way back down and gathering speed. Those who fear being run over....had better get out the way.

JA Cynic
5/21/2010

No loss to the Senate nor the GOJ
JA Cynic

george watson
5/21/2010

If I know the Americans as well as I think I do, a prestigious law firm like Manatt would never had had a meeting with a foreign entity without taking detailed notes, so we will soon know who met with whom when, and what was discussed. It is all part of the sealed indictment which will be or has been presented to the grand jury.
The contractor general having himself worked with a foreign company for years will back me up on this.

Jay Brown
5/21/2010

He has more integrity than his boss.
PNP here is your Colin Campbell - the JLP is now cleanse .

Claude Ingram
5/21/2010

“And if one green bottle should accidentally fall, there’ll be…”

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Ronald Robinson resigns as senator, junior minister