Former Foreign Affairs State Minister testifies at Manatt/Coke Enquiry

Former Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Ronald Robinson, today (February 14) gave his testimony at the Commission of Enquiry into the extradition request by the United States for Christopher Coke.

During his testimony Dr. Robinson said he became aware of the extradition request through the electronic media in August 2009.

Shortly after, Dr. Robinson said he was invited to a meeting at Vale Royal with ministers and officers of the Jamaica Labour Party, where discussion centred around the extradition request (with the main concern being the illegality of the wiretapping evidence).

The former Minister of State also informed that he met with Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding in September 2009. He said that at the meeting, which was also attended by attorney-at-law Harold Brady, he recommended that United States law firm Giuliani Partners be approached for assistance on the extradition matter.

“The decision was taken that I should initiate the contacts with Giuliani Partners and that Mr. Brady could also initiate his contact in Washington of Mr. Frank Farenkopf. At the time, this was just to make contact and explain to them the situation that we were facing here to see what they could do to help,” Dr. Robinson said.

He further testified that Mr. Brady made contact with Mr. Farenkopf while in Washington. During this meeting, Mr. Farenkopf suggested that Mr. Brady “may want to pursue the United States law firm of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips.”       

Dr. Robinson said he later travelled to Washington, where he met with representatives of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, and on his return to Jamaica, he said he went directly to Vale Royal to brief Mr. Golding on the trip.

The Commission of Enquiry continues on Tuesday (February 15) with the cross examination of Dr. Robinson.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON