THE Opposition walked out of yesterday's sitting of the House of Representatives after the Government dismissed claims that it had engaged the services of a United States-based law firm to, among other things, advise the administration on pending extradition requests.

The Opposition was also upset over the alleged "partisan behaviour" of House Speaker Delroy Chuck and also what it claimed was the "arrogance" of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

The relationship between Washington and Kingston has been deteriorating rapidly since the Government's refusal to extradite Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to face trial on alleged gun and drug charges in the US.

The issue about Government's engagement of a United States law firm arose during a routine debate on regulations for the sharing of forfeited property between Jamaica and the United Kingdom.

However, Dr Peter Phillips, a former national security minister, steered the debate in the direction of the Coke extradition issue after pointing to information on a US Government website regarding a contract between the US and Jamaica, which he said named noted attorney-at-law Harold Brady as acting on behalf of the Jamaican Government.

Phillips said the US-based law firm -- Manatt, Phelps and Phillips -- was engaged for US$100,000 per quarter to provide services that would include "contacts and meetings with the executive branch regarding existing political and economic matters, including existing treaty agreements between Jamaica and the US".

Dr Phillips wanted to know if arrangements with the US firm included current extradition matters. However, House Speaker Delroy Chuck intervened, insisting that the question had no bearing on the debate about forfeited property. "I understand that the Government of Jamaica in November 2009 entered into agreement with a firm named Manatt, Phelps and Phillips who claim, in their foreign agents registration, that they represent the Government of Jamaica through Harold Brady and Company. And that their advice, among other things, is sought in relation to treaties, agreements, political and economic matters ...at a cost of US$100,000 per quarter," Phillips told the House. "Given the timing, my question is, does this represent a contractual obligation as reported by the Government of Jamaica, does it relate to extradition matters and is it properly entered into by the particular individual on behalf of the Government of Jamaica?" Phillips questioned.

It was at this point that Chuck intervened, even before the prime minister could respond. In his response, Golding said: "The diversion of the member is rather not surprising. I think the House will have to prepare itself that it is not the last time that you will have heard from that member with a similar diversion.

"Let me make it quite clear. The Government of Jamaica has not engaged any legal firm, any consultant, any entity whatsoever, in relation to any extradition matter other than to deploy the resources that are available within the Attorney General's Department who has a duty and responsibility to guide the Government on these matters," Golding said. Efforts to reach Brady for comment last night were unsuccessful.