Opposition Parliamentarians continue to pepper the government with questions about what they claim is questionable legal arrangements between Jamaican authorities and a United States law firm.

Dr. Phillips brought to the House's attention a document published on the US Department of Justice's website which lists the American law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips as agents of the Government of Jamaica. The document notes that the firm represents the government through the offices of Harold C.W Brady of Brady & Company. According to the document, Manatt et al, represents and advises Brady & Company on political and economic matters including treaty arrangements between Jamaica and the United States. PM denies hiring US firm The arrangement, which was reportedly entered into in October last year, stipulates as fee of US$100,000 per quarter. Prime Minister Bruce Golding. When the question was put to the Prime Minister Bruce Golding in Parliament on Tuesday, this was his response. "The Government of Jamaica has not engaged any legal firm, any consultants, any entity whatsoever in relation to any extradition matter other than deploying the resources that are available within the Attorney General's Department." Dr. Phillips, who was obviously not satisfied with the Prime Minister's brief statement, had several questions about the alleged arrangement given the local attorney's background in extradition matters. "Why is it reporting that he represents the Government of Jamaica when he is not and what particular services (is) he seeking from these lobbyists who have indicated that they are there, whose services are to be provided through contact and meeting with the executive branch," Dr. Phillips queried. Conflict of interest Dr. Peter Phillips. The former Minister of National Security went on to question why treaty matters are not being dealt with by the court and turning to the still pending extradition request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke, charged that there was a conflict of interest in the matter on the part of the Prime Minister. "This matter should be handled by the courts (but) the Prime Minister obviously does not have that view and what is unfortunate is that there is a real or apparent conflict of interest. Not in relation to all extradition requests, but at least in this one, there is an apparent conflict of interest and the issues which are being raised are complex legal issues. "I am not saying that we want the person extradited, what I'm saying is that the courts of Jamaica are the appropriate places for these matters to be considered. Without it, you will forever have questions of doubt not only in the Jamaica population but in the international community as to the will, determination and the sincerity of motive," Dr. Phillips said.