Supreme Court to determine powers of justice minister

THE Bruce Golding Government yesterday made good on its promise to take the row between Jamaica and the US over the contentious extradition request of Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to court.

The Government, through attorney Dr Lloyd Barnett, yesterday filed an application seeking declarations from the Supreme Court in relation to the powers of the justice minister in dealing with extradition matters.

The application is scheduled for first hearing on Wednesday, May 5.

Golding said on his call-in radio programme -- Jamaica House Live -- last month that he would be seeking a declaration from the Supreme Court as to whether or not Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne, who is also the justice minister, acted correctly in not giving the go-ahead for extradition proceedings to be brought against Coke, who is wanted in the US on drug and gun-running charges.

The prime minister said on the programme that he was anxious to bring closure to the issue, which has soured the previously friendly relationship with the United States.

"Based on the advice that we have received, I have instructed the minister of justice to prepare to seek a declaration from the courts of Jamaica... as to whether the minister has (a) the authority and (b) the obligation to consider breaches of our laws and breaches which lead to a breach of the [Extradition] treaty in coming to her decision," Golding said then.

The prime minister said he would adhere to whatever ruling the court made.

The US last year August requested the extradition of Coke -- a supporter of Golding's Jamaica Labour Party and the reputed Tivoli Gardens community leader.

The Jamaican Government has argued that the evidence submitted by the Americans against Coke was gathered in breach of Jamaican law.

The attorney general subsequently refused to give the orders for extradition proceedings to be brought against Coke -- which has sparked sustained public outcry against the Government.