WIKILEAKS flashback

• Excerpts of the cables so far … many more to come.

December 10, 2009 - Government's two-faced approach to extradition request

"The imbroglio illustrates both the GOJ's paralysis over the issue as the Golding administration flails for new legal points on which to delay a decision, as well as the PNP's (People's National Party) determination to use the issue as a means of attacking the JLP's (Jamaica Labour Party) moral authority to govern."

"The GOJ appears to be trying to have it both ways - publicly blaming the USG for the delays, while privately assuring CDA that this is not the position of the Golding administration."

"Despite the PM's statements and the headlines to the contrary, the (Cabinet Minister) assured CDA that Golding had been misquoted and that it was not the position of the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) that the United States government (USG) had violated the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) or the extradition treaty."

"(Dr Peter) Phillips told embassy officials that many key JLP stalwarts - (names deleted) - have expressed to him their dissatisfaction with the Golding administration's handling of the Coke extradition request, but that they're unlikely to break with Golding over the issue, nor would he expect any JLP MPs to cross the aisle over the issue."

"Phillips alleged that the GOJ (Government of Jamaica) is 'determined to take the side of the Shower Posse (the criminal organisation with which Coke is associated) rather than that of the people of Jamaica,' and that he's not aware of any 'timetable for action' on the part of Golding administration."

August 17, 2009 - Dual citizens' drama

"One PNP MP representing South Central St Catherine visited Embassy Kingston on July 31 to renounce US citizenship only to withdraw the renunciation four days later."

"Nevertheless, over a week later, The Jamaica Gleaner published an article on the MP's renunciation with no mention of its withdrawal, suggesting that the MP intends to leave the public impression of having renounced US citizenship."

"Faced with criticisms of her party leadership, both internally and externally, it would seem that Portia Simpson Miller has chosen to reassess and to focus on rebuilding support within the party."

"Although the PNP remains a party in disarray and seemingly without direction, the recognition that its current course was untenable would seem to indicate that the leadership is finally aware of the need for a new political strategy … ."