Too much focus on Dudus
Published:Tuesday | March 23, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
The Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition issue is taking up too much time. If the Government has decided not to extradite Mr Coke for the reasons stated in Parliament by Prime Minister Bruce Golding then, despite the numerous criticisms cast at him and his administration, he should stick to his position, particularly since he feels strongly that it is based on principle.
Mr Golding's statements in Parliament about why the extradition request was not granted were firm and unambiguous. All this public debate on this issue is not doing Jamaica any good. There are far more pressing issues that require the Government's full attention at this time. I do not believe the US will punish Jamaica and Jamaicans because the US State Department and the Government of Jamaica don't see eye-to-eye on this issue.
Jamaica has a strong democracy and has built up and sustained a good relationship with the US for most its life as an independent nation.
I think it's time for a close to be put to this highly controversial and much publicised issue.
I am, etc.,
PATRICK GALLIMORE
Kingston