MoUs will have to be revisited – Lightbourne

KINGSTON – Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Senator the Hon. Dorothy Lightbourne, says the four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) will have to be revisited, as they are considered to be unconstitutional.

“The MOUs are unconstitutional and they are in breach of the Interception of Communications Act,” Senator Lightbourne said under cross examination by attorney-at-law, K.D. Knight, Q.C., at the Commission of Enquiry into the extradition of Christopher Coke, yesterday March 14, at the Jamaica Conference Centre,  downtown Kingston.

She also informed the Commission that she has advised Prime Minister, Hon Bruce Golding of the need to revisit the MOUs, while noting that staff in the Attorney General’s Chambers had not yet done a written opinion.

Senator Lightbourne also told the Commission that she was never aware that Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke was a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) strongman in Western Kingston.

“I was aware of the allegation that he is a strong man in Western Kingston, but I am not aware it was for the Jamaica Labour Party,” Senator Lightbourne said.

The Minister  said she would not change any of her actions in the Christopher Coke extradition request, if she had to redo the nine months leading up to his extradition.

Senator Lightbourne has remained adamant that she had faithfully carried out her ministerial duties in the handling of the extradition request for Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

“In hindsight, I would still insist that our Constitution be observed and that our laws be observed. There is nothing I would do differently,” the Justice Minister said.

Meanwhile, attorney representing the Prime Minister, Hugh Small, Q.C., has suggested that the Commission postpone hearing evidence from his client until after the 2011/12 budget is presented.

The Commissioners are to have a meeting with all the lawyers involved in the enquiry today March 15 to discuss the way forward. Senator Lightbourne will also continue her testimony.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON