PRIME Minister Bruce Golding last night announced that Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne will sign the authorisation for the extradition process to begin against West Kingston strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke who is wanted in the United States for alleged gun- and drug-trafficking between Jamaica and that country.

The Jamaican Government's handling of the Americans' extradition request for Coke, submitted last August, has soured relations between both countries in recent months.

But in a solemn address to the nation last night Golding maintained that the Government has never refused the request for Coke's extradition, but simply wanted additional information from the US to enable the justice minister to issue the authorisation in compliance with the terms of the treaty.

Golding said the opinion of eminent constitutional lawyer Dr Lloyd Barnett was sought and he advised that the issues were not sufficiently settled in law, therefore the attorney general should seek a declaration from the Court before exercising her authority.

"I wrestled with the potential conflict between the issues of non-compliance with the terms of the treaty and the unavoidable perception that because Coke is associated with my constituency, the Government's position was politically contrived," Golding explained.

He said he felt the concepts of fairness and justice should not be sacrificed in order to avoid that perception.

"In the final analysis, however, that must be weighed against the public mistrust that this matter has evoked and the destabilising effect it is having on the nation's business," said Golding. "Accordingly, the minister of justice, in consideration of all the factors, will sign the authorisation for the extradition process to commence."

Last night, Tom Tavares-Finson, the attorney representing Coke, said the matter is to be fought the courts and he was in the process of assembling a three-man legal team to begin proceedings on his client's behalf.

"We have heard that the authority to proceed has been signed. We are challenging it in court. To all concerned, we are using the courts," said Tavares-Finson.

"I do not want anyone to use this as an opportunity to go into the community and attack the law-abiding citizens, and kill off babies. The recent past as well as experience suggest that. That experiences tell me that force may be used, that is why we are using the courts," he said.

Tavares-Finson's reference was to previous assaults on Coke's Tivoli Gardens base by police and soldiers which have resulted in the deaths of civilians and members of the security forces.

This matter of the extradition, Golding said, has consumed too much of the country's energies and attention and has led to a virtual paralysis that must be broken.

Meanwhile the Observer has learnt that the US Embassy yesterday advised its citizens in Jamaica to stay close to home and take all necessary precautions in light of any public unrest which may result from the prime minister's announcement.

Since last August the United States has been trying to get Coke, who they claim is the leader of an international criminal organisation, extradited to that country to stand trial on allegations of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, as well as trafficking in weapons.

According to the indictment filed in the US District Court Southern District of New York, Coke and others known and unknown, "unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with each other to violate the narcotics laws of the United States" in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.

The alleged acts, the US said, were committed "from at least in or about 1994, up to and including in or about October 2007".

The indictment also accused Coke and others of unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly distributing and possessing with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilogrammes and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of marijuana, and five kilogrammes and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine in violation of Sections 812, 841(a) (1), and 841(b) (1) (A) of Title 21, United States Code.

The indictment also accuses Coke of illegally importing guns into Jamaica "via a wharf located adjacent to Tivoli Gardens" and outlines telephone conversations the US authorities say were conducted between Coke and a number of unnamed co-conspirators regarding the shipment of guns and narcotics.

One of the entrances to Tivoli Gardens this morning.

RESIDENTS of sections of Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens this morning blocked off all roads leading into their communities.

The move comes following reports from Government last night that the papers had been signed to facilitate the process for the extradition of Tivoli Gardens don Christopher 'Dudus Coke.

We are on the look-out, one resident warned while standing close to one of the blocked roads leading to Denham Town where old cars and other debris have been used as blockades.

Police continue to maintain a presence downtown.

THE National Democratic Movement (NDM) says it is disappointed with last nights angelic performance by the prime minister, which it says amounted to nothing but mere platitudes and a rehash of his inauguration speech and a repetition of previous promises.

The party is of the view that Mr Goldings apology rings hollow, lacks sincerity and was an attempt to bam***bozle the Jamaican people by telling [them what they] wanted to hear, the party said in a news release.

The NDM is of the view that the full truth was still not revealed and that the issue of his own deception was still not addressed.

The NDM said that the prime ministers glaring omissions on the Manatt Phelps & Phillips issue cast serious doubts on whether the prime minister has the credibility and trustworthiness to continue in his prime ministerial role.

The NDM is challenging the prime minister to show how sincere he is about dismantling the political garrisons by removing garrison MPs from Cabinet posts, and to cease the award of Government contracts to persons aligned to any criminals or gangs. The NDM is also calling on Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller to do the same by removing all spokespersons who are garrison MPs, the party said.

Not discussing much about the reasons behind her split from manager and producer Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett, when the singer spoke with THE WEEKEND STAR she was her usual cheerful self, as she talked about her future and her time with him. Alaine, however, did state that it was an amicable split on her part.
She said, "First of all I have to big up Don all di way. He is 100 per cent an amazing producer and we've had a lot of success together. We just returned from Japan where we released my second album 'Luv-A-Dub' and it has been doing great, getting serious album sales which is a big feat. It was a very beneficial positive experience, still is, but we're no longer working together."

pursuing her passion

After working as an investment banker in the United States, Alaine moved back to Jamaica in 2004 to pursue her passion for music. Upon returning, she met with producing trio DASECA who launched her singing career and in 2005, met and started working with Don Corleon.
With Corleon, she achieved her first breakthrough hit, No Ordinary Love and followed with songs such as Heavenly, NeverDone and others. Through Don Corleon Records, Alaine released her 2008 album 'Sacrifice' and in August of this year her second album 'Luv-A-Dub' was released in Japan.
While rumours have circulated that the two's relationship was more than just music - neither party confirmed. When Alaine spoke to THE WEEKEND STAR, she was still adamant that her personal life is personal, but did say that rumours about the two being married were false.
As to whether the two will ever work together in the future, Alaine said, "I'm not a fortune teller but wherever there's good music and good vibes, I can work with it."
Currently the singer says there is more to come from Alaine, as there is a lot in the pipelines, including putting together a new team which includes, persons involved in her management and bookings.

making strides

I'm continuing to work and keep smiling, making some strides. I have some work to do in Africa as part of a show that is to be broadcasted in a number of countries. Everyday I'm a new me and trying wonderful new things," she said.
For Alaine, it's all about new beginnings as she doesn't believe the split will affect her fan base or her career negatively. She explained, "I think people just wanna hear songs I write and they want to connect with my music which they will continue to do. It's still me, nothing different. I'm not starting over, I've laid a foundation for myself and travelled all over the world. People have identified and grown with me so it's a continuation of a wonderful opportunity."
For a singer who has worked almost exclusively with one producer for a number of years now, Alaine says she has done good work with a number of successful producers and will continue to do so. Not elaborating on some of the persons she will be working with in the future, Alaine mentioned that she does have a new single out, called, So Simple for Supa Hype on his 'Sunshine' rhythm that has been doing well.

Jamaican international Ricardo Fuller was among the hundreds of spectators who turned up at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex to show their support for dethroned Digicel Premier League champions Tivoli Gardens, who not only lost their title, but also Sunday's match 2-1 to new champions Harbour View.

The 30-year-old, who scored eight goals this season to help Barclay's Premier League outfit Stoke City to 11th place in world's most popular league, was pleased with many things, such as the development of the local league, his and Stoke's performances in the BPL, and in particular, his brace that ended Arsenal's ambitions in the FA Cup.

Lack of continuity

He did, however, concede that Jamaica has not seen his best whenever he dons the national colours, but blames that on a lack of continuity in the national programme.

"I'm in a totally different mindset when I'm in England for 10 months, and so to come here and face new players and a new system on a constant basis is difficult," said Fuller.

"Continuation is important for any team, and that's what we need to do here. Keep the thing going, keep the squad together and work on the team chemistry, and that will get the best not only out of me, but other players," he added.

The former Tivoli Gardens talent is happy to be back home among his family and friends, but was disappointed not to be witnessing a Tivoli Gardens celebration. Fuller was also delighted with the way the league has improved since he last played in 2002.

"I'm happy to be back home from a long, hard season in England with Stoke City.

"I'm a bit sad because Tivoli Gardens did not win the title this time around, but it's good to be watching local football and hopefully, the league will continue to improve," Fuller cited.

"What I've seen so far was quite good. The teams seem to be playing well and the surface is definitely better and 40 per cent of the game is down to the surface. The domestic football can help the national football programme, so this is welcome."

Fuller received the plaudits of many English football fans and commentators and the skilful striker was pleased with his contribution to his team's improved season. He is now eying an extension to his current deal with Stoke City.

"Last season, we had a very good season, but this season was actually brilliant because we managed to improve in every area," said Fuller. "I finished with eight goals and even though I had 11 last year, I played a lot better than I did last year. My performance was a lot higher and consistent this year, and it's proven in the league stats and the respect that I get from other managers. So it goes to show that I have improved and how highly they look up to me."

Fuller continued: "I have two more years left on my current contract, but we will have talks when I get back. I have done really well, and right now a lot of other clubs are interested and are knocking on the door, so I'm looking forward to these talks when I get back in July.

"I'm happy at Stoke City, even if you can't be too happy, but if the talks go well maybe I'll get another two-year deal and maybe finish my career there."

And what about that memorable Arsenal game?

A remorseful Prime Minister Bruce Golding last night apologised to Jamaica for his handling of the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition issue and its spinoff controversy -- the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips saga -- that have rocked the country since last August and eroded public trust in the Government.

In a national broadcast in which he bared his soul to the nation, Golding admitted deep personal hurt and acknowledged that members of his family and the Jamaican people suffered pain and disappointment from the entire episode in which his ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) played a central but shadowy role.

"In hindsight, the party should never have become involved in the way that it did, and I should never have allowed it, but I must accept responsibility for it and express my remorse to the nation," said the prime minister.

He said that the way the matter was handled raised the question of trust and conceded that the disappointment expressed by several persons and organisations should not have surprised him, as he had raised the bar as to what they should expect of him and what has transpired has fallen short of their expectations.

"I want to personally thank the wide cross section of persons who took the trouble to write to me, not all complimentary but all expressing the deep anguish that they experienced over what had transpired. Others have offered their prayers and to all I am deeply grateful," said Golding.

"I am aware that trust can only be restored by forgiveness and atonement. That will take time, and I am committing myself to do everything that is humanly possible to repair the damage that has been done to that trust. In return, I ask for your forgiveness, he said.

However, last night, in a swift and caustic response, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller said "up to now the nation is not aware of what the prime minister is to be forgiven for, since he has failed to come clean and lay out fully what he has done".

She also took issue with Golding's announcement that Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne will sign the authorisation for the extradition process against Coke to commence, arguing that the decision was a desperate attempt to rescue Golding's political career and perpetuate him in the Office of Prime Minister.

"The People's National Party maintains that the prime minister must resign due to his pattern of persistent evasiveness, deception and betrayal of public trust, which has destroyed his credibility," said Simpson Miller.

She also said that his statement did not address "the numerous misleading and contradictory statements" made regarding the engagement of the US law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips and in this regard, the PNP would table a no-confidence motion against Golding in Parliament.

In his statement, Golding said that the engagement of Manatt by local attorney Harold Brady was an effort to secure assistance in resolving the stalemate between Jamaica and the USA caused by Kingston's insistence that the Americans provide evidence against Coke that did not, in the view of Jamaica, breach his constitutional rights.

The JLP, Golding said, was concerned about the negative effect the stand-off was having on relations between Jamaica and the United States.

"I sanctioned this initiative but made it clear that it was to be kept completely separate from the Government," he said. "As I later discovered, those instructions were not followed. Having sanctioned it, I cannot escape responsibility for it or the developments that have ensued although I was not myself involved in those activities."

He said that when he was asked in Parliament whether the Government had engaged the services of the law firm, he answered truthfully and definitively that it had not done so.

Said Golding: "It is felt that I should, there and then, have acknowledged the party initiative led by Mr Brady. On reflection, I should have, and tonight I express my profound regret and offer to the Parliament and people of Jamaica my deepest apologies.

At least three organisations yesterday postponed activities that were originally planned for today following reports that Government had signed the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition request.

Activities originally planned for today which have been postponed are:

* The planned talk by Dr Don Baker on the topic "Congress and the President: An Invitation to Conflict" at the Institute of Jamaica. The organisers -- The Institute of Jamaica and the United States Embassy -- said a new date for the event will be announced.

* The National 'Bold Ones' Breakfast hosted by Gary 'Butch' Hendrickson, chairman of the National Baking Company, that was scheduled for the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston. A new date is to be announced.

* Fujitsu's security summit that was to be held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel will now take place tomorrow.

ACTIVITIES in sections of the country's capital city, Kingston, and several major towns came to a standstill yesterday as several businesses closed their doors, as reports circulated rapidly that Government had signed the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Coke, the reputed 'don' for Prime Minister Bruce Golding's tough West Kingston constituency, is wanted by the United States for alleged drug trafficking and gun-running charges.

The police, in a statement, urged Jamaicans to be calm but even that could not prevent or calm the fears as the businesses pulled their shutters and thousands of workers rushed to get home early.

"We wish to reassure the public that our officers have been deployed and instructed to report all safety and security related concerns for action as well as to respond quickly and appropriately to public calls for assistance," said a press release from the police high command.

But even then employers, out of caution, sent home workers early, while people rushed to collect their children from school.

"The people them afraid; see it there see them a rush to go home," said one woman who was seen walking along Orange Street in downtown Kingston.

"...People are confused and trying to just reach home," another woman said.

"A pure confusion," said one man, who spoke on behalf of a group gathered at a bus stop -- some with worried looks on their faces and others overheard warning family members on their mobile phones to avoid downtown Kingston.

In Cross Roads, Kingston 5, there was a huge build-up of traffic in the rush by motorists to leave the business district.

Police and members of the military were, however, observed roving the city to prevent any outbreak of violence.

The police urged members of the public to call its control centre at 119 or senior duty officers at 978-6462 and 927-7778 to report any incident.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is insisting that its embattled leader, Prime Minister Bruce Golding, has done no wrong in the controversy surrounding the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips affair.

The Observer took to the streets of St Ann yesterday and asked people in the parish how they felt about the party's handling of the issue and got these responses.

Victoria Bryan - Administrative assistant

I honestly believed the JLP would have handled the situation better. They didn't communicate effectively with the people and a lot of questions were being asked and I don't think they moved swiftly enough to clear the air on those issues.

Leon Bailey - Taxi operator

The JLP could have communicated better with the people. They were a little harsh in some of their comments, but understandably, it was to defend their leader who is under severe pressure. There is no need for the PM to resign over the issue. There must be somebody who can stand up and defend the people. Let the United States bring the evidence and let justice take its course.

Patrick - Construction worker

All of this is just Portia and the PNP trying to get back at Bruce. The PNP had scandal after scandal and they lied about so many things. I heard people calling 'Dudus' a criminal, but how can you be a criminal if you have never been convicted of a crime? The people need to give Bruce a chance to continue running the country.

Gary - Freelance tennis pro

They never handled the situation properly; they should have told the nation exactly what had transpired when they were first asked about the issue in Parliament. How they dealt with it is not good for the country, it has messed up our credibility and a lot of people have lost faith in the party and its leader.

Michael Davis - Businessman

This issue with Bruce is very delicate and any individual who finds himself in such a position should ask themselves, what would you do. Would you give in to dictators of the world or would you take a stance to ensure that the evidence against any individual to be extradited is credible? We need to put politics aside and look at the reality and see the full situation. If him give up the man, a problem, and if him don't give him up, a problem, but I'm appealing to all Jamaicans, don't fire a single shot over the issue.

Tiffunny Wallace - Office clerk

He lied to the people and I think he should have resigned as prime minister, despite all what has been said by his party, because technically he told the country a lie. The party could have handled the situation better. They should have been honest and just told the truth about what happened without going around in circles.

Derrick Mighty - Tailor

They handled the entire situation shabbily. They said the PNP mash up the country for 18 years, but it seems it's the same thing they are doing and they need to be forthright with the country and stop beating around the bush.

D Taylor - Office clerk

The party was a bit irresponsible with their handling of the whole situation. They could have done better. I think they put all their confidence in the PM and were not thinking about the interest of the people. It was the party first and country after.

OVERSEAS media continued to target Prime Minister Bruce Golding with coverage of the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke in the Miami Herald and the United Kingdom's Sunday Telegraph last weekend.

The headline of the story carried in Saturday's edition of the Miami Herald ran, "Jamaican leader caught in the middle of a drug war: An alleged Jamaican drug lord who faces charges in the US is causing a political controversy in two nations."

While the report in the Sunday Telegraph was headlined, "Jamaican PM accused of blocking 'drug lord' trial".

The Miami Herald article said Coke was considered one of the most dangerous narcotics kingpins in the world by the US Department of Justice, and was being kept "safe and clean" in Tivoli Gardens, in West Kingston, due to his association with the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Meanwhile, the article in the Telegraph said that Golding's refusal to hand over Coke had not only caused problems for him as prime minister, but had also caused a diplomatic rift with America, which had been trying since last August to extradite Coke to New York.

The newspaper also reported that "Both of Jamaica's main political parties (JLP and the People's National Party) have for decades been accused of courting the support of criminal gangs because of their usefulness in getting people to vote during elections."

THE police high command is advising citizens that there are no threats to businesses or vital infrastructure as is being feared.

The police assured that the security situation in the country in being assessed on a continuous basis.

We are appealing to all to remain calm and not to circulate false information capable of generating panic but to call Police Control at 119 or senior duty officers at 978-6462 and 927-7778 to report any such concerns or related information coming to their notice, the high command said in a news release this morning.

We wish to reassure the public that our officers have been deployed and instructed to report all safety and security related concerns for action as well as to respond quickly and appropriately to public calls for assistance.

LISBON, Portugal (AP) -- Portugal's conservative president announced yesterday he is ratifying a law allowing gay marriage in the predominantly Catholic country.

The head of state's decision to permit the enactment of a bill passed by Parliament in January makes Portugal the sixth European country allowing same-sex couples to wed.

President Anibal Cavaco Silva said in a nationally televised address, he regretted that the country's political parties had failed to reach a compromise during days of heated debate in Parliament four months ago.

Vetoing the bill would only send it back to Parliament where lawmakers would overturn his decision, he said, adding that the country needed to focus on overcoming an economic crisis that has increased unemployment and deepened poverty.

THE Ministry of Education is asking students sitting the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) to report for their examinations today.

All examinations scheduled will take place, the ministry said. No examination has been postponed or cancelled.

In the video, the man collected US$400 (J$36,000) in exchange for the girl. He along with another man, after being held by cops were sentenced for human trafficking in 2008.

The case, which was the first of its kind to be tried in Jamaica, attracted national attention in 2006 when it first broke. A 55-year-old man and his 57-year-old co-accused, both of Kingston addresses, were convicted after they were caught during a sting operation accepting money in exchange for the teenager. The video of this transaction is now gaining popularity.

disgust

The video was filmed by representatives from Shared Hope International (SHI), an organisation devoted to fighting the trafficking of females for sexual purposes. The four-minute long video has secured the attention of many Internet users, with all expressing disgust at the actions of the men. Some, however, have expressed concern over whether the video was legitimate.

Loren D. Wohlgemuth Jr., media relations & communications specialist at SHI, allayed those fears, however, by confirming that the video was indeed legitimate. Information from the organisation's website revealed that it worked with a human rights investigator in May 2006 to examine the commercial sex markets in Jamaica. SHI provided information to the Organised Crime Investi-gation Division and the sting operation, shown on the video was planned and executed.

The video opens with the investigator meeting with the police and revealing that he had been offered girls as young as 12 years for sexual purposes. He said his investigations had also revealed that girls were also being taken from Jamaica to other countries.

girl's relative

It then shifts to a scene with a young girl who is asked her age by the investigator. Before she could answer, however, a man in the background, later identified as the girl's relative, chimes in.

"Yea man, she a 13 plus," he said eagerly, "no, she nuh reach 15 yet." The girl later confirms his claims saying; "soon 14, Septem-ber I'm 14." She also reveals that she is still in school and names a high school located in the Corporate Area.

In another scene in a hotel bedroom, the supposed uncle reveals that he does not tell the child's mother about his activities and that he can get her out of the house whenever he wants. He also reveals that the child's mother trusts him. He is also shown accepting US$300 (J$27,000) and his partner accepts US$100 (J$9,000), for introducing him to the 'tourist'. At the end of the video, the police enter and arrest the men.

The men were tried and the video captured during the sting was used as evidence against them. On November 11, 2008, they were each sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at hard labour.

Melissa Snow, Director of Programmes at SHI, told THE STAR that the organisation has done no stings in the island since then. She however revealed that during its human rights investigations, "we found countless numbers of girls that were being victimised."

She said the organisation knew that sex trafficking existed in Jamaica and came here to "investigate how it worked and how easy it was to obtain a child, and then do our outreach." She said SHI partners with two local organisations that provide shelter and care for affected girls.

KINGSTON, Jamaica Jamaica's prime minister now says he will allow a reputed drug kingpin to be extradited to the U.S., ending a nine-month fight with Washington but raising fears of a violent backlash from the suspect's supporters.

The announcement Monday night marked a reversal for Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who faced mounting public pressure to drop his opposition to the request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke. The wanted man allegedly controls a band of gunmen inside a barricaded neighborhood of west Kingston that Golding represents in parliament.

As rumors of the government's decision spread before the official announcement, the streets of downtown Kingston emptied as businesses and government agencies closed early out of fear of violence. Coke's supporters have been rumored to be stockpiling weapons to prevent his arrest since the extradition request was revealed in August.

But Coke's lawyer, Tom Tavares-Finson, said his client is prepared to fight extradition in court. He said there would be no violence on Coke's insistence.

"Absolutely not, he just wants us to go to court," Tavares-Finson said.

Coke has ties of loyalty to Golding's Jamaica Labor Party, which like the main opposition party has loose affiliations with organized crime dating to the 1970s when political factions armed gunmen to intimidate election rivals.

In a nationally televised address Monday night, Golding said his party had become improperly involved in the dispute and expressed remorse for his handling of the case.

"This matter of the extradition has consumed too much of our energies and attention and has led to a virtual paralysis that must be broken," he said. "The minister of justice, in consideration of all the factors, will sign the authorization for the extradition process to commence."

Golding did not indicate how long it would take before security forces move on Coke.

The prime minister had stonewalled the extradition request since it was revealed in August with claims that the U.S. indictment relied on illegal wiretap evidence.

His handling of the case, in particular his authorization of a U.S. firm to lobby Washington to drop the request, provoked an outcry that threatened his political career. With opposition parties and public sector groups calling for his resignation, the governing party vouched for him following a high-level conference over the weekend.

He said he offered his resignation on Sunday but it was rejected by the party.

Golding's opposition to the extradition strained relations with the United States, which questioned the Caribbean island's reliability as an ally in the fight against trafficking in a State Department report earlier this year.

A businessman known for his work as a show promoter, Coke has kept a high public profile in the ghettos west of Kingston, reportedly handing out cash and school supplies to needy children. He is also credited with helping to keep order by using his authority to punish thieves and other criminals in an area where the government has little presence.

Coke's father was Lester Lloyd Coke, better known as Jim Brown, a leader of the Shower Posse during the 1980s cocaine wars. U.S. prosecutors say Christopher Coke took over the organization after his father died in a 1991 prison fire while awaiting extradition to the United States.

Under the younger Coke's direction, Shower Posse members have sold marijuana and crack cocaine in the New York area and elsewhere and funneled profits back to him, U.S. authorities allege. He faces life in prison if convicted on charges filed against him in New York.

My fellow Jamaicans..I have spent the last several days in deep contemplation about the issues that have caused so much anxiety throughout the society including the reaction to my statement in Parliament last Tuesday and the events and circumstances that led up to it.

I have listened very carefully to the views expressed by members of the public. I have also consulted with my Cabinet and parliamentary members, the party organization and various civil society groups. I thank those who have expressed their support and have urged me to find a way to deal with these matters and to put them behind. I respect the views of those who feel that, in the circumstances, I should step aside.

I have asked God to guide me in my response and the decisions I must make. I regret the entire affair and it has been deeply painful for me, members of my family and you who have been hurt and disappointed.

In hindsight, the party should never have become involved in the way that it did and I should never have allowed it but I must accept responsibility for it and express my remorse to the nation.

The way in which this matter has been handled has raised the question of trust. Several persons and organizations have expressed their disappointment. I should not have been surprised because I had raised the bar as to what they should expect of me and what has transpired has fallen short of their expectations. And here I want to personally thank the wide cross section of persons who took the trouble to write to me, not all complimentary but all expressing the deep anguish that they experienced over what had transpired. Others have offered their prayers and to all I am deeply grateful.

I am aware that trust can only be restored by forgiveness and atonement. That will take time and I am committing myself to do everything that is humanly possible to repair the damage that has been done to that trust. In return I ask for your forgiveness.

This matter of the extradition has consumed too much of our energies and attention and has led to a virtual paralysis that must be broken.

I crave your understanding, the government has never refused... never refused... the request for the extradition of Christopher Coke. It has simply asked the US authorities to provide additional information that would enable the Minister to issue the authorization in compliance with the terms of the treaty. In the controversy that has ensued, we sought the opinion of one of Jamaica's most eminent lawyers, Dr. Lloyd Barnett, who advised that the issues involved were not sufficiently settled in law, and therefore the Attorney-General should seek a declaration from the Court before exercising her authority.

I wrestled with the potential conflict between the issues of non-compliance with the terms of the treaty and the unavoidable perception that because Coke is associated with my constituency, the government's position was politically contrived. I felt that the concepts of fairness and justice should not be sacrificed in order to avoid that perception. In the final analysis, however, that must be weighed against the public mistrust that this matter has evoked and the destabilizing effect it is having on the nation's business. Accordingly, the Minister of Justice, in consideration of all the factors, will sign the authorization for the extradition process to commence.

The engagement of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips by Mr. Harold Brady was an effort to secure assistance in resolving the stalemate because the party was concerned about the negative effect it was having on relations between Jamaica and the United States. I sanctioned this initiative but made it clear that it was to be kept completely separate from the government. As I later discovered, those instructions were not followed. Having sanctioned it, I cannot escape responsibility for it or the developments that have ensued although I was not myself involved in those activities.

When I was asked in Parliament whether the government had engaged the services of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, I answered truthfully and definitively that it had not done so. It is felt that I should, there and then, have acknowledged the party initiative led by Mr. Brady. On reflection, I should have and tonight I express my profound regret and offer to the Parliament and people of Jamaica my deepest apologies.

It took time for me to make my statement last Tuesday because of the efforts I had to make to find out exactly what had transpired in this Manatt, Phelps & Phillips affair. I felt I had a duty to make that statement and I spoke on the basis of the information that has been presented to me.

The business of the country and the challenges that we have to overcome require that they be tackled with urgency and unquestioned authority. The economic programme that has restored stability after the tumultuous impact of the global recession and is showing early signs of recovery requires firm hands and certain leadership. The transformation of the government to improve the delivery of services despite the budgetary constraints and the stimulation of the investments that are needed to restore the jobs that were lost and create new ones require strong management unfettered by the ghost of the recent ordeal. The worrying crime problem must be confronted with vigour, confidence and determination. The social partnership being built through the Partnership for Transformation to bring a new collaborative and consultative approach to policymaking requires commitment and direction.

Yesterday, I indicated to the Central Executive including my parliamentary members that I was prepared to step aside as Prime Minister. A new Prime Minister would need to be assured of the support of the Party and a Special General Conference would have to be convened to elect a new leader so that a new Prime Minister can be appointed. The offer was rejected and I was asked to reconsider. I know that to continue requires on my part a recommitment to the purposeful change that we had promised.

I thought deeply about it last night and recognized that if I am to continue it cannot be business as usual. We have done well on some fronts but there are issues such as crime and violence to which much more effort and determination will have to be brought. Our legislative programme on which so much of our manifesto commitments were based will have to be renewed. Tough and uncompromising measures to deal with the pervasive crime problem and to stamp out corruption will have to be matters of urgency.

I will be tabling in Parliament the proposals emanating from the Public Sector Transformation Unit for the restructuring of government to invite public comment before a final decision is taken. I intend to transfer some of my portfolio responsibilities to other Ministers to enable me to focus more on the issues that drive change and transformation.

I intend to concentrate much of my efforts on advancing some of the unfinished business of our mandate. In our election manifesto, we committed ourselves to a wide range of political and constitutional reform measures to transform the way politics is conducted and the way government operates, to stamp out corruption and hold public officials to account. Some of these have already been implemented or are at an advanced stage. These include:

. Appointment of a Special Prosecutor to fight corruption
. Whistleblower legislation to aid in fighting crime and corruption
. Independent Commission to investigate abuses by the security forces
. Fiscal responsibility legislation to, among other things, exert control over our fiscal deficit and accumulation of debt.
. Reform of the Libel laws to enable greater transparency and accountability in government
However, having to grapple with the effects of the global recession consumed so much of our energies that we have not been able to move as fast as I would have liked on some important elements of the reform package.

Going forward, I intend to put the following measures on fast track:

. Measures to reverse the institutionalization of political tribalism and garrisons as manifested in many constituencies across political lines including my own constituency, an issue I propose to anchor in the Partnership for Transformation and with a commitment to implement the recommendations. 
. Provisions for the impeachment of public officials
. Term limits for the office of Prime Minister
. Vesting constitutional authority in the Contractor-General and Electoral Commission
. Laws to regulate political party financing
. Enacting into law certain provisions of the Political Code of Conduct with appropriate oversight and penalties for violations
. Criminal sanctions for breaches of the award of contracts
. Parliamentary oversight in the appointment of certain statutory positions
I intend, also, to seek parliamentary approval for the anti-crime Bills, the DNA Evidence Act and new criminal gang legislation to strengthen our capacity to fight crime including measures to prevent the award of government contracts to individuals linked to criminal activities.

The nation's business cannot continue to be disrupted and distracted by the ordeal of the last several months. We must put it behind us and move on and I hope that after tonight we will be able to do so. And we must do so with humility. Our lapses at times into what comes across as arrogance and disrespect must not be allowed to happen, for we are the servants of the people. Again, I express my regret to those who were offended.

There is much that we have to accomplish as a people and many serious challenges that must be overcome but, together, we can make it work and ensure that our people enjoy a better life.

May God continue to bless Jamaica and provide the strength and support we all need.

Source: Gleaner/Power 106 News

JAMAICA OBSERVER

Not resigning, promises to increase anti-crime measures

A deeply apologetic Prime Minister Bruce Golding tonight announced that Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne will sign the authority for extradition proceedings to commence against Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke who is wanted by the United States to face gun- and drug-running charges.

In an address to the nation a short while ago, Golding begged the nation to forgive him for dragging out the extradition issue and for his involvement in the matter.

"The Minister of Justice will sign the authorisation for the extradition process to commence," Golding said.

Golding's head has been on the chopping block since last Tuesday's announcement in Parliament that he had personally sanctioned his party's decision to seek the assistance of United States law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to negotiate with the Barack Obama administration in the contentious extradition matter.

Calls from all sectors of society for Golding to resign led him to rally his party's top b**** to high level talks on the weekend.

"In hindsight the party should have never got involved in the way it did," he said in tonight's broadcast. "I must accept responsibility for it and the way it was handled and I must express my remorse. I ask for your forgiveness."

A farm worker today received $52 million compensation for injuries sustained while working in Canada.

The farm worker, who participated in the Ministrys Overseas Agricultural Programme, was employed to the Veri Hydroponics Greenhouse Farm in Ontario, Canada, between 2003 and 2004 and was involved in a motor vehicle accident.

He sustained injuries to his back and was hospitalised in Canada and later returned to Jamaica where he continued to receive medical treatment under coverage of the labour ministrys liaison service.

The ministrys liaison service in Canada had started legal proceedings on behalf of the farm worker and a settlement was reached between the parties in April for payment of disability compensation.

POLICE say they have been 'bombarded' by citizens reporting threats on business and infrastructure amid rumours that Government has signed the extradition papers for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Government today denied signing Coke's extradition to the United States on guns and drug trafficking charges. This after companies, concerned over possible civil unrest, began sending home their employees and shuttering their premises.

Despite increasing their presence on the streets police have taken a firm position in urging calm.

"The Police High Command is advising the public it is are not aware of any such threats at this time and that the crime security situation in the country is being assessed on a continuous basis," said a statement today.

Police are urging persons not to circulate false information which may create panic. Persons are instead asked to call Police Control at 119 or senior duty officers at 978-6462 and 927-7778 to report any such information or concerns.

"We wish to reassure the public that our officers have been deployed and instructed to report all safety and security related concerns for action as well as to respond quickly and appropriately to public calls for assistance."

GOVERNMENT has denied signing the extradition papers for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, rumours of which have sparked a demonstration in West Kingston and persuaded businesses to begin sending home employees for the day.

Store owners downtown have begun to draw down their shutters.

An increased number of police and soldiers are now out on the streets as a precautionary measure.

Please keep checking back with us for further updates...

A 26-year-old man who allegedly beat his eight-year-old son so severely that his nose bled, all because the boy could not recite his seven times table, was ordered to undergo counselling when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

Charged with assault occasioning bodily harm is an unemployed man of a Kingston 11 address.

Allegations are that on the day in question, the accused was left in charge of the complainant and his sibling. It is alleged that he instructed the children to study but reportedly became enraged when he saw the complainant laughing.

It is alleged that he then instructed the boy to recite his times table, which he did successfully up to his six times table. The court was told that the boy made a few errors while doing his seven times table and was beaten with a piece of board. He reportedly suffered bruises and swellings to his cheek, nose, thigh, arm and forearm.

The child was also reportedly slapped in the face, causing a nosebleed. The boy was taken to the hospital and to the police station after his mother discovered the bruises on his body.

When the matter was mentioned in court on Thursday, the accused told the court that he merely 'scolded' the child. He, however, later admitted that he had hit the child with a stick because he found him "laughing and gallivanting" after he told him to study.

Resident Magistrate Georgianna Fraser told the accused that he needed to learn some anger management and parenting techniques. The accused was ordered to undergo counselling from the Probation Department.

He was granted $100,000 bail with surety and was ordered to submit his fingerprints.

He is to return to court on June 1 for sentencing.

One Life To Live, a song recorded by the group Voicemail six months ago as one of the first tracks for the new album Next Level, has been dedicated to critically ill member, Oneil.

"For One Life To Live, we have done a urban remix as well as cover and poster artwork. A site for Oneil will be launched early next week under www.Voicemailgroup.com," a release from Voicemail stated.

GOVERNMENT has denied signing the extradition papers for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, rumours of which have sparked a demonstration in West Kingston and persuaded businesses to begin sending home employees for the day.

Store owners downtown have begun to draw down their shutters.

An increased number of police and soldiers are now out on the streets as a precautionary measure.

Source: Jamaica Observer

From left: Magnum Queen of the Dancehall, Bumpa, host Empress and Magnum King of the Dancehall, Press Fyah, after their crowning at Weekenz, St Andrew, on Saturday night.

Despite being crowd favourites, Reggae Queen and Juggla were outclassed by their competitors Bumpa and Press Fyah, who were crowned Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall on Saturday at Weekenz, Constant Spring Road.

After waiting all night to hear the results, Reggae Queen and Bumpa were eventually brought on to the stage for the big announcement of who would walk away with the big prizes; $1 million, a video and single release and 750 promotional CDs.

However, as soon as it was disclosed that Bumpa was the winner of the competition, the people started booing.

Immediately after, people around the venue started discussng the reason for Reggae Queen's loss.

"Yuh know seh a because she cuss the bad word weh day ya mek she lose enuh," one man said in reference to Reggae Queen, who had to apologise on the show for breaching the directives of the Broadcasting Commission the previous week. A woman was also in disbelief when she heard the result. "Everybody a seh Queen, Queen Queen, so how Bumpa win?" she questioned.

Nonetheless, Bumpa went on to make her acceptance speech, making sure to address those in disagreement. "The people who are booing, I guess you are not the ones who voted. The majority voted," she said and the boos got even louder than before.

When THE STAR spoke with Bumpa, she said, "I am really happy right now. I was kinda feeling down earlier 'cause the people were booing. But that don't really faze me, Jamaica voted and the majority won."

loud cheers of approval

However, when Press Fyah was announced as the winner, there were loud cheers of approval, with only a small fraction of the audience left in shock. There were some persons who expressed surprise, as Juggla was the general crowd favourite. After being crowned, Press Fyah went on to thank all his fans, well-wishers and voters from across the island. He also promised to invest some of his winnings in his music career and his child's education.

Although he campaigned heavily, Press Fyah was somewhat surprised that he won.

"I am overjoyed about winning. A whole heap a people seh Press Fyah wouldn't mek it this far. We surprise the whole world seh wi win right now 'cause dem neva know mi woulda do this. Mi really feel good inna miself and mi haffi thank the Most High for this. Mi always try fi keep it positive 'cause we deh inna a time now when everyday people just a dead inna wi country without thought, without reason, even di likkle youth dem," Press Fyah told THE STAR.

"We have to tek a stand and do positive music. Despite seh some people waan fi hear the jump up and lewd lyrics, mi continue fi do positive music and mi know seh one day it ago come through because mi see the younger children dem a tek on to it right now. From age two, three, dem a sing a Press Fyah song, so mi feel good inna myself and confident seh mi have a bright future."

campaigned hard

Meanwhile, the judges were also pleased with the winners.

"I think that both of them did commendably well. They worked hard and they campaigned hard. At the end of the day we are judges and we give our constructive criticism. Even though you might have a favourite, it is about who goes out and campaigns more," Miss Kitty told THE STAR.

Adding, "I always say this, Jamaica when you love somebody, it does not always translate into votes. The surest way to have your Magnum King or Queen is by voting. So, I think they are both very deserving of it and I am happy to see how they will go on and mature. I just wish them the best after this Magnum phase and that they will find themselves a good place in the dance hall scheme of things."

Professor Nuts was also pleased. "I approve of the winners," he said. "I approve of Bumpa and I approve of Press Fyah. Whatever they win tonight they are very deserving. The last four who competed, anyone of them win would deserve it and I love that. There is nothing more to say than congratulations to those who won."

However, producer Scatta sang a slightly different tune.

"Jamaica has spoken. I've done my job. Jamaican people, dem very funny. Sometimes you think you know what dem thinking and dem surprise you," he told THE STAR.

"But mi think Tanto Blacks is di real star of the competition 'cause him bring back that flavour, that swagger. Him bring back an artiste weh look like an artiste just by stepping out and lighting up the entire room. But respect to all the contestants because it takes a lot to come and do what they do."

Leading up to the crowing, there were also performances by the winners and others who competed in the competition including Gibralta, Posh, Tu Cute, Mysterious, Chozenn, Tanto Blacks and Gallawas.

Left: Juggla was in hot contention for the crown. Right: Many were surprised when Reggae Queen was not announced as the winner. - Colin Hamilton photos

May 13 (*la*hmberg) -- An Airbus SAS jets black box voice and data recorders were recovered from the wreckage of the Afriqiyah Airways flight that crashed on landing in Tripoli, Libya, killing all but one of the 104 people on board.

Rescue workers recovered 96 bodies after yesterdays accident along with the flight recorders, Libyas official JANA news agency said, citing Transportation Minister Mohamed Zeidan. The 93 passengers included 62 Dutch tourists, of whom one, a child, survived, according to Markus van Tol, a spokesman for the ANWB Royal Dutch Tourist Association.

The twin-engine A330 plane crash-landed in the final approach after the flight from Johannesburg, airline spokeswoman Elizabeth McQuiggan said in a telephone interview, adding that its not clear what caused the accident.

The wide-body plane, powered by engines from General Electric Co., first flew on Aug. 12 last year and was delivered new to Afriqiyah Airways on Sept. 8, according to U.K. aviation consultants Ascend Worldwide Ltd. The crash is the second in 12 months involving an A330, and Airbus said it will provide full technical assistance to air-accident investigators.

Zeidan said there is no evidence that terrorism caused the accident, according to JANA. Passengers on the flight came from Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Philippines and Zimbabwe, as well as Libya, South Africa and the Netherlands, he was reported as saying.

A 14-year-old girl said to be the mastermind behind a scheme to lure underage girls into a man's home to perform sexual acts, has been arrested by police in Old Harbour, St Catherine.

The girl, along with another 14-year-old girl and a 25-year-old man, were reportedly taken into custody after a raid at a house in the community.

scheme uncovered

A source from the St Catherine North police told THE WEEKEND STAR yesterday that the scheme was uncovered on Wednesday, after the mother of one of the teens in custody spotted another teen with a bag belonging to her daughter who she had reported missing.

It is said that the mother had reported to the police that her daughter was missing from home for several days.

The source further said that the woman demanded that the teen take her to find her daughter after she accosted her while she reportedly boarded a minibus.

After the teen refused, the woman is reported to have taken her to the Old Harbour Police Station where she revealed to the lawmen that she lured a number of her schoolmates to the house of a man for him to engage in sexual acts with them.

led to house

After the revelation, the police were led to the house in another section of Old Harbour where the 25-year-old man was seen and the missing teenager reportedly found.

"So far the 14-year-old confessed that she had brought classmates and others from her school to the man's home for them do all manner of sexual activities ... We have not yet confirmed just how much girls were taken to the house but our investigations are ongoing," the investigator said.

SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine Police here have increased their presence as the notorious One Order and Klansman gangs have turned up the heat.

The gangs have been engaged in and on again, off again gang feud for over a decade and have renewed rivalry resulting in the deaths of two men and the injury of four others in the old capital last night.

One of the dead men has been identified 61-year-old Peter Satchell, while the other is unidentified but a source in the town said he was a high-ranking member of the One Order gang.

Police report that about 10: pm yesterday gunmen peppered a car in which the One Order gang member was travelling along Featherbed Lane near St John's Road, killing him on the spot.

About an hour later, Satchell and other persons were at an establishment at the intersection of Waterloo Road and King Street when a gunman exited a brown Toyota Corolla motor car and fired on the group.

They were taken to hospital where Stachell was pronounced dead and the others admitted. Two of the injured persons have been listed as critical.

This morning a group of residents who gathered at the scene of the attack said they were taking steps to protect themselves.

Jamaica was once the protector of the Cayman Islands which if we are to use a familiar metaphor would suggest this collection of islands is our child or ward. Britain, our former colonial master, if we are to use a similar analogy, would have been our parent or guardian. Sadly, Jamaicans can enter neither country without a visa. It is akin to the unenviable position of not being able to visit our children or parents without having to demonstrate exceptional reasons.

This is a tragic image of how far we have sunk and if current trends persist other relatives will soon be closing their doors on us. Yet this is not time for despair. We must heed the advice of current White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, that we should never waste a good crisis.

The influence of our musical output is once again being placed under the microscope. This has been prompted by the shootings of two prominent Jamaican artistes within 48 hours. We wish both Cobra and Oneil a speedy recovery and condemn these wanton acts of criminality. Sadly, if the pronouncements flowing from various quarters on this issue are indicative of the kinds of solutions which we should expect I have very little reason to be optimistic. Much of what has passed as discourse in the wake of these unfortunate incidents has been platitudinous, self-serving and hypocritical. What is frightening to me is that victims of crimes are now being blamed for criminal acts committed against them. The feminists would rightly point out that a scantily clad woman does not provide a lecher with justification to violate her. There seems however to be the suggestion in some quarters that doing harm to entertainers is a form of poetic justice since our artistes are purveyors of violent lyrical content. Retribution, revenge and superstition loom large in our fundamentalist psyche. I would sincerely condemn the shooting of any politician even though some of them have been alleged to distribute guns. Yet nuanced positions are never welcomed in our jungle.

Calls are being made, even from within the entertainment sector, for strong actions even if most of us do not know what form this should take or who should assume responsibility for such measures. I would only advise that the Taliban and the Nazis were able to be assume power through the desperate desires of those in the society for strong actions to address the problems facing Afghan and German societies. Those who do not learn the lessons from history are bound to repeat them, a wise man once noted.

As one close to the music industry I am able to discern the various agendas that are at play in the current campaign to address the matter of problematic musical content. It is a coalition of a diverse range of interests, some genuine and sincere. Some artistes are crying foul because they believe they are entitled to more airplay. Yet there are artistes who should understand that simply appending the label "roots and culture" to themselves does not confer on them the right of unlimited access to airplay. These artistes must understand the imperatives of marketing and musicality. If the truth be told the purveyors of problematic content are more adept marketers than their roots and culture colleagues. How many of our roots and culture acts will visit dances in order to promote their products? Much of what passes as conscious music is trite, boring and lacking in musical value.

True we have Etana, Tarrus Riley and Queen Ifrica who are able to make serious issues interesting and entertaining, however many of those crying for more access to the airwaves should never be allowed any kind of exposure beyond their bathrooms which hopefully are soundproof. One should listen to Tarrus Riley's Myself As A Gun to get a better understanding of how an artiste can be thoughtful and entertaining.

Artistes must understand that they do not operate in a vacuum. It is ridiculous to say that art or music does not have any social impact. The challenge is how do we go about constraining the perceived negative influences flowing from our entertainment products without infringing on the right to free expression.

One way to limit the spread of problematic material is to restrict the spaces in which they can be can be performed. I am a strong advocate of having our buses being declared silence zones and also strongly support the rigourous enforcement of an amended Noise Abatement Act. We should rate events restricting the access of minors to performances and shows for adults who should be free to enjoy themselves as they choose, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others. A music industry association should charge itself, in conjunction with the Broadcasting Commission, to issue ratings on what material is worthy of airplay.

Interestingly, one of the arguments always proffered by our artistes in justification of their performance of lewd and violent material is that there is a demand for it. Now faced with bans and revocation of visas, those who lead can now point out to artistes that market forces are now working against them. The fact is that it makes no financial sense if Barbadians want Kartel but he cannot secure a visa to visit their country. We can use this as an example to emerging artistes as to what can be the possible consequences when one is deemed to be disruptive and antisocial.

Residents of Ritches, in North West Clarendon, woke up to the shocking news yesterday, that a community member was murdered on Saturday night.

Dead is Roy Watson, a cabinet maker, who was killed in his house, just metres from the Ritches Full Truth Church of God Deliverance Centre where he surrendered his life to the Lord more than a month ago. He was stabbed in his head and back.

Family members said about 11: 30 p.m. Watson was at his house where he builds furniture, when he heard a strange sound at the rear of the premises, he went to investigate and was stabbed to death.

The family member said relatives were made aware of the incident before the police were called.

Watson's body was eventually removed to the morgue.

Family members said they did not know why anyone would want to murder Watson because he was a peaceful individual who had just surrendered his life to God; and not known to be involved in any dispute with anyone.

"Right now I feel scared like someone might return to do me something. I am afraid, I am coward because I have not slept from the incident happened, I just sat down and looked up all night," a family member said.

Assistant pastor at Watson's church, Christopher Gauze, described him as a quiet individual who had no fuss with anyone. "He was not known to be in anything with anyone; all he did was made his furniture and did his farming. It is really shocking to know that he is killed," said Gauze.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Martin Morgan of the Spaldings police told THE STAR, the police will continue to probe the incident and try as best as possible to bring those responsible to justice.

A Supreme Ventures outlet along West Street in Old Harbour, St Catherine, was robbed on Saturday by two men posing as customers.

Reports reaching The Star are that about 12:30 p.m. while people were busy buying tickets for the 1 p.m. draw, two men entered and asked to be sold a ticket. As the cashier was about to sell the ticket, both men brandished knives and demanded about $40,000.

They took the loot and ran away, along West Street.

"The police are investigating the matter and we are doing everything to bring those responsible to justice," Detective Sergeant Carey Duncan of the Old Harbour police said.

People in the community said the men seem to know their way around. "We cannot believe dat the man dem just walk in and demand the money, dem just nuh care," a woman said.