Opposition calls for full disclosure on Manatt issue

Thursday, April 29, 2010

OPPOSITION leader Portia Simpson Miller yesterday called on Prime Minister Bruce Golding to make a full disclosure on the Manatt, Phelps and Phillips issue, saying Tuesday's attempts by Golding's Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to clear the air raised more questions than answers.

Simpson Miller's call was in response to a statement issued by Jamaica Labour Party General Secretary Karl Samuda, who is also the industry, investment and commerce minister. In the statement the party admitted that the decision to approach the law firm -- to assist in facilitating discussions between Jamaica and the US in a bid to end the controversy caused by Jamaica's refusal to extradite Christopher "Dudus" Coke to the US to answer to alleged drugs- and gun-running charges -- originated within its ranks.

The party also conceded that a Government member met with representatives of the law firm.

In a release yesterday, Simpson Miller dubbed the confession as scandalous and an attempt to "narrow partisan shenanigans".

"Rather than clarify the situation, the statement has only served to further embarrass and perplex Jamaican people at home and abroad. Once again, this statement from the Government on the Manatt, Phelps and Phillips matter raises more questions than answers. The government's assertions are seriously lacking in credibility and do not inspire trust," she stated.

The issue, she said, would further sully the country's already tarnished image.

Manatt, Phelps and Phillips is alleged to have collected US$50,000 for their services, but it is still not clear who footed the bill. Attorney Harold Brady was fingered by Samuda as the individual who approached the law firm on behalf of the party.

But yesterday Simpson Miller questioned whether JLP members had managed to use the Government authority to engage the law firm.

"The prime minister must come clean and tell Jamaica the truth before the international media reveals more. If he does not, what confidence can the people of Jamaica have in his administration? Now more than ever, the Opposition will intensify its insistence that the truth, and nothing but the truth, be told to the Jamaican people," Simpson Miller said.

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COMMENTS (13)

Jaye Stone
4/29/2010

Jamaicans really have a strong constitution for insults; they keep saying the government is insulting their intelligence -- but this has been happening for years, and they just lap it up.
Apparently they're not so intelligent ater all!

Devon Vapp
4/29/2010

I am not surprised at the PM's handling of this situation. Bruce has reached exactly where he wants to be; PM. He will retire when he wants on a PM's pension, thanks to PJ Patterson and he will be buried at heroes Park when he dies. He is not concerned about nothing else right now, keeping the JLP together is now the work of the young guys, Bruce is of the old guard. Bruce is the same old Bruce, he has not changed a bit.

Brad Kerr
4/29/2010

@ Wilfred Gray... Just like an ignorant man you went there. This government has repeatedly shown a disrespect for the Jamaican population . Remember issues with the constitution and the dual citizenship case. You have to respect the the institution of parliament. A PM cant just get up and mislead the parliament . This is where laws are made and thecountry is governed... i guess we see what happens when the head want to lead but heart dose not. This PM should just go quietly befoe he inflicts anymore damage on the people oy Jamaica....See already they scared to apply for their cheished visas.....

pat green
4/29/2010

I now see why it is best to speak the truth, it saves you from having to tell one lie to cover another. I am just disappointed in Bruce's leadership I never thought it would have been in this integrity crisis and so early. They just need to stop the spinning and speak the truth-by the way where is the Prime Minister?

ad ado
4/29/2010

who runs the country is it the JLP or the government officials or the people, or.....? not sure anymore

Wilfred Gray
4/29/2010

To us, it is alright to have the lawyer, to represent equal right,justice sovereignty,anytime, so what to hide?

Brad Kerr
4/29/2010

Can anyone tell me how the Prime Minister in his role as head of government and leader of the JLP was not aware that his party retained a lawyer to look at treaty issues? Either the PM is sleeping at the wheels or there are rogue elements in his party and Government. Jamaicans heard the PM stood up in the Parliament and said his Government did nohire the law firm Manatt Phillips... Does this mean then that he diliberately missled the JamaicanParliament? Now this sudden about face with the parching of words hoping the populace would make a distinction between his party and the Government is quite disengenous. Mr.Robinson splitting hairs with the setting of his meeting just leave a bad taste in all our mouths. As far as I know the JLP is the Government and the Government is the JLP. So please tell me how the Government did not hire the law firm to speak to treaty issues. By misleading Parliament it shows the contempt they have for the role of government And you expect better from societ

norris Richards
4/29/2010

Mama P is absolutely right; the JLP government must come clean on the Mannatt issue. Also Mama P should come clean on the Trafigura issue, what was offered to this company. The people want credible JLP/PNP politicians even if they are below average leadership standard.
All politicians must stop their shenanigans. It is like the pot calling kettle black. The people want answers from these professional politicians- one cannot run from one's past.

Cathian Dennis
4/29/2010

In addition, Portia Simpson-Miller is hinting at a no confidence vote, very tactful and diplomatic. "The prime minister must come clean and tell Jamaica the truth before the international media reveals more. If he does not, what confidence can the people of Jamaica have in his administration?..."

Cathian Dennis
4/29/2010

Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller is doing her homework, she knows how the Jamaican people feels about this issue and is doing a good job at being their voice in this isssue. "Rather than clarify the situation, the statement has only served to further embarrass and perplex Jamaican people at home and abroad... "

JA Cynic
4/29/2010

The PNP can expect a response to its call for the PM" to come clean and tell Jamaica the truth".
That response will be the foreign audit report of the PCJ.
JA Cynic

Iman Jahman
4/29/2010

Well, I must hand it to them,the PNP are not power hungry and opportunist like the JLP is.Remember Seaga's snap election in 1983? He called the election because some comments were made by the PNP that questioned his integrity.And how about that the road blocks that was initiated by the Patriotic Front,an arm of the JLP.The card that Bruce Golding pulled in exposing the last scandal in the PNP,which was clearly in the lead at the polls,resulted in a win for the JLP in the election.
Rather than calling for the government to resign,Portia is exhibiting a statesman- like posture(stateswoman).She is a very patient woman who knows that the long rope self strangulation method is best in seeing the JLP self destruct.And,she is right.This may very well be the first truly one term government,not withstanding the cheating snap election of '83.

Owen Chong
4/29/2010

Mrs Simpson Miller, good job of keeping Bruce Golding foot to the fire. But, where was this relentless passion during the Trafiguria affair, cuban light bulb scandal and all the other incompentence and questionable actions of Phillip Paulwell and others during your Adminstration.

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Opposition calls for full disclosure on Manatt issue