Politicians react to Dudus plea

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

Shortly after learning that Christopher 'Dudus' Coke was ready to plead guilty in a United States court, former National Security Minister Dr Peter Phillips characterised it as a victory for Jamaica against transatlantic criminality.

For Jamaica Labour Party Senator Tom Tavares-Finson, who as an attorney represented Coke during the extradition hearing at Up Park Camp, St Andrew, in June last year, the decision to cop a plea is likely to be the correct one.

"I knew of the developments and was aware that they were finalising some arrangements ... after some strenuous consultations. The lawyers on the team who have an understanding of the system as well as the client's (Coke) mental state would be in a position to make a sensible decision."

Said Phillips: "This represents a successful outcome in the specific plea arrangements and, in general, will serve to assist Jamaica in charting the way forward ... . We now have to await the outcome of the plea arrangements."

Peter Bunting, who now handles the security portfolio for the Opposition, said the latest developments were hardly surprising.

"Once Mr Coke's request to reject wiretapping evidence into evidence was turned down by the court, there would have been little chance of him getting away as the evidence, coupled with that of the witness cooperation, has been so strong."

Bunting suggested that this latest development should have implications for others in Coke's criminal organisation.

Lowest possible sentence

Veteran politician K.D. Knight, the attorney who represented the People's National Party at the Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry, said it was clear that Coke had taken this course after careful consideration and determining that this would get him the lowest possible sentence.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com