KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Commission of Enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the extradition of reputed drug dealer, Christopher “Dudus” Coke began here today with a senior government official testifying that a lawyer from United States law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips was a member of the Jamaica government delegation that travelled to the United States for discussions with US justice officials.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Evadne Coye testified that in December 2009, she went to the residence of the Jamaican ambassador to Washington, Anthony Johnson, where she saw the attorney from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.
She said that Deputy Solicitor General Lackston Robinson had told her that the lawyer, whose name was given as Kevin Di Gregory, would be a part of the Jamaican delegation to meet with US State Department and Justice Department officials. The delegation would also include Solicitor General Douglas Leys.
Coye testified that Robinson told her Leys had included the Manatt lawyer because he understood US law and understood the thinking of the Justice Department, being a former employee there.
The ambassador said she objected because there was no approval from Foreign Minister Ken Baugh or Justice Minister and Attorney general Dorothy Lightbourne.
However, she said that when she confronted Leys, he told her that Lightbourne had given permission to expand the delegation.
She also gave evidence that the Foreign Ministry had informed Washington that if Coke had to be extradited, it would cause unrest and security concerns.
Cove said the ministry also pointed out in a meeting in Washington with State Department and Justice Department representatives what they said were breaches in the US operation in obtaining the wiretap information and that it was a breach of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.
However, she said that the US responded that they were not in breach and expressed concerns that Jamaica was treating the extradition differently from previous ones.
The three-member Commission is chaired by Queen’s Counsel Emil George. It is expected to conclude its hearings on February 28.
Earlier, the absence of statements from some key players led to some confusion at start of the hearing.
Attorneys for the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) had unsuccessfully sought an adjournment of the hearing.
In requesting the adjournment, the PNP’s lead attorney, K D Knight, said the outstanding statements were from people who were involved in the matter and are needed for him to properly plan his approach to cross-examination.
The Commission had set January 7 as the deadline for statements to be submitted, but Chairman of the Commission, Emil George complained that some persons have disregarded that deadline.
Some of the key players who have not yet provided statements are Attorney General, Dorothy Lightbourne, Solicitor General, Douglas Leys, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Paula Llewellyn; and former Police Commissioner, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin. However, George told the Commission Llewellyn will be subpoenaed and that he is also expected to receive statements from Leys and Lightbourne shortly.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Peter Phillips and Coy were among those who complied with the deadline.
The Commission of Enquiry was set up by the government last October to probe the events leading up to Coke’s extradition, including the hiring of the US law firm, Manatt, Phelps and Phillips. More than 70 people were killed in fierce gun battles between gunmen loyal to Coke and members of the security forces who went into Coke’s Tivoli Gardens stronghold to arrest him last May.
The enquiry has been adjourned to Thursday. (CMC)
