PM Agrees To Public Enquiry into Coke/Manatt Issues

The Government is to establish a Commission of Enquiry into the handling of the extradition request for Christopher Coke, as well as the engagement of the US law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips.
“The composition of the Commission and the more precise terms of reference will be announced shortly,” Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, said during Tuesday’s (October 12) sitting of the House of Representatives.
He noted that the Government will be in touch with Leader of the Opposition, Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, on the matter.
“As a matter of courtesy, I have kept her informed of matters that I consider warrant that level of communication. I think you will appreciate, however, that ultimately the buck stops somewhere,” Mr. Golding said.
The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), and a number of interest groups and individuals, have been calling for a Commission of Enquiry into both matters.
Christopher Coke was extradited to the United States in June, after waiving his right to an extradition hearing in Jamaica. The former resident of Tivoli Gardens,a stronghold of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), was wanted by the American Authorities on alleged drug and gun running charges. The American law firm was engaged by the JLP to lobby the US Congress on extradition issues in 2009.