That Samuda Press Release

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Statement by JLP Minister of Industry, Investment Commerce Karl Samuda:

1. In September of last year, persons within the JLP approached Mr Brady to see whether,

through his wide network of international contacts, he could assist in facilitating the

opening of discussions between the US Authorities and the Government of Jamaica, and

thereby, seek to resolve what had become a treaty dispute between the US and Jamaica.

2. It was expected that Mr Brady, having served as a former Secretary-General of the

International Democrat Union, an organisation of worldwide centre-right parties founded

in 1983 of which the JLP is an associate member, would use his vast experience in

international law and politics to assist in this regard.

3. I am aware that Mr Brady’s firm retained the services of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips on

or about October 2009, to pursue discussions with relevant officials of the government. I

am advised that all payment arrangements to Manatt, Phelps & Phillips were transacted

between the two firms. The government of Jamaica had nothing to do with any aspect of

these arrangements.

4. The Solicitor-General went to Washington in December to have discussions with

officials of the State and Justice Departments. This meeting was arranged through the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Jamaica.

5. The Solicitor-General and the team that accompanied him met with representatives of

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips at Mr Brady’s invitation. The discussions were exploratory and

were focused on alternative approaches that have been taken in similar treaty disputes

with the US. The Solicitor-General made it clear that the government of Jamaica saw no

need at that stage to engage their services but would be prepared to consider doing so

should the need arise.

6. The Solicitor-General accepted a suggestion that a representative of the firm attend the

planned meeting with the State and Justice Departments as an observer, which he did

with the full approval of the State Department.

7. The Solicitor-General, who had had no previous contact with Manatt, Phelps &

Phillips, was not then aware that the firm had already been retained by Brady &

Company. He has had no further contact with the firm since that encounter in December.

8. As regards media reports that a Minister of Government met with State Officials and

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Dr Ronald Robinson, Minister of State in the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, while on a visit to Washington on November 20,

2009, had a brief social encounter with a representative of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips after

having declined an invitation by Mr Harold Brady to attend a meeting at the State

Department.

9. The Government of Jamaica did not enter into any contractual arrangement with

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and therefore no payments were made to the firm by the

Government of Jamaica.

Source: AmLawDaily