Mistakes, Lies and Missed Tapes

Source: Jamaica Observer, March 23, 2010

Since the GOJ is reluctant to provide credible answers to some of the questions being asked in the Brady Factor which has complicated the Dudus Extradition Affair (DEA), we thought that "in the national interest" it was our patriotic duty to assist.

• Question:

Was the US government duped into thinking that Manatt, Phelps  & Phillips (MPP) represented the GOJ in the talks involving the  DEA.

• Answer: (Choose any or all)

No. The SG of Jamaica accompanied MPP  into the official talks on the issue.

No. Brady although not officially certified as "Consultant to the GOJ" retained the services of MPP who were instructed to engage US officials in such talks.

No.  Brady and Co. represented a Head of State (Prezi) of a state (Tivoli) within a state.

• Question:

Were the amounts paid to MPP as retainer and for services rendered sourced from illegal activities?

• Answer: (Choose any or all)

No.  The GOJ operates its own extortion scheme called the JDX.

No.  In Jamaica money has no taint, the US currency (called greenbacks) is the same official colour as that of the ruling party.

No. It is a time honoured policy of the JLP regime not to question the source of funds. In the 80's banks were instructed not to ask questions.

No. All activities undertaken within Jamaica are protected by the Constitution and have "rights" attached.

• Question:

Who were the ultimate beneficiaries of the lobbying efforts undertaken by MPP?

• Answer: (Choose any or all)

The GOJ. The whole cabinet is in danger if such initiatives are not successful.

The JLP; Dudus can sing.

The PM; Entry to Tivoli now restricted may be prohibited necessitating the finding of another constituency to represent.

Dudus; Not anxious to embark on a presidential visit at this time.

Brady; In line for an OJ.

• Question:

Is the GOJ embarrassed by the action undertaken by Brady - the unauthorized solicitation of MPP to act on behalf of the GOJ.

• Answer: (Choose any or all)

No. The GOJ has no relationship with MPP

No. The GOJ has no relationship with the US

No. The GOJ has no relationship with Dudus

No. The GOJ has suffered no such embarrassment for the JLP has only been in office for 2 1/2 years whereas the PNP has caused the GOJ great embarrassment for over 18 years.

No. Brady is not in the cabinet.

"When fools talk they think only fools are listening " - Hat tip to Lambert Brown - The Evening Edition, Radio Mona.

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Leys' Lullaby

Rock a bye baby,
In the treetop
When the wind blows
The cradle will rock

Douglas Leys the Solicitor General of Jamaica, in a meeting with US State Department and Justice Department facilitated the attendance of a member of a private US law firm into that official meeting. Hello!?

The SG had just recently a few hours before been introduced to the principals of the said law firm who were anxious to obtain an official brief to act on behalf of the GOJ.

The SG himself had refused the overtures of the said law firm and by his own admission outlined to them the procedure that had to be followed if and when they were to be engaged to act on behalf of the GOJ.

It therefore begs the question: Did the SG act most improperly in facilitating the attendance of a private US law firm at an official meeting between himself and the US authorities?

In so doing, the SG unwittingly gave credence to the impression gained by the US officials - who had previously met with representatives of the US law firm and were involved in discussions of the very same issue as the SG - that the US law firm was indeed acting on behalf of the GOJ.

What is even more difficult to understand is the rationale informing the SG's thinking that to have Brady - a Jamaican attorney attend the meeting would have been improper, yet saw no problem in having a representative from a US law firm (who had not been engaged by the GOJ to his certain knowledge) attending as an "Observer".

Leys was either naive or was "convinced/persuaded" to change his initial refusal of the gratuitous offer. Unknown to him, he was the one being introduced to the US officials.

So, the "Consultant" was not so authorized and neither was the "Observer" but the fact remains that the US law firm acted on behalf of the GOJ in its dealings with US officials as reported on the official websites.

Smoking gun and misty mirrors: Who will be held accountable? Who misled the PM? Who is politically dispensable? Who will be "separated" from their responsibilities?

In the end the DEA - Dudus Extradition Affair has been further complicated, if not compromised, by the FBI (now meaning From Brady's Intervention).

When the bough breaks,

The Cradle will fall

And Down will come baby

Cradle and all

Oops!

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"Tainted Money" - Politics

The headline in the Sunday Observer, March 21, 2010 Rich Jamaican Businessman under US Probe must be sending off alarm bells throughout the newly monied interests in Jamaica. Bangarang once again!

Recall the "tainted money" saga in the JLP's internal elections which saw the young turks gaining office. That eventually paved the way for Bruce Golding's return and the ousting of Seaga from the helm.

Then the general election 2007 which saw a very expensive campaign being waged by the Golding - led JLP for some two years. Money flowed from both foreign and domestic sources.

There was little or no concern expressed as to the nature or source of such funds.  The main focus was amount and flow.  UFO's including Cash Plus and Olint were involved. 

The end result was that the Golding-led JLP barely eked out a win (less than a 3000 vote margin) despite the massive injection of cash into its campaign.

Now there is the Brady factor and questions being raised as to the source of the funding to lobby US officials.  The FBI is reported as having an interest.

As if that was not enough, it has been revealed that the US has interests in those who have amassed enormous wealth under the JLP Government.  

• Could the same set of players have been involved to a greater or lesser extent in all these financially tainted activities?
• Has Jamaica become one of the world's leading money laundering facilities?
• Is this the classic case of dirty money and political power?

We are now having our dirty (and tattered) underwear hung out for the international public to view and smell.

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Bruce & Brady Bawl Out

Let us not confine our examination of this matter to the capacity in which Brady signed the agreement.  Let us assume that Brady was not acting as the "Consultant to the Government of Jamaica".

• Then who were the real clients of Brady and Co.?
• How much money was paid to Brady and Co. to effect such a deal with the US law firm and how were those funds sourced?
• Who were the real beneficiaries of the efforts undertaken  by the said US law firm?
• Was Brady just a "lubricated conduit" - to use the Prime Minister's own words?
• Did the GOJ play any role in advising Brady and Co. and/or the US law firm in this matter?
• If such initiatives were being undertaken in the USA with state officials and agents acting on behalf of the GOJ, then Jamaica's ambassador to Washington should have been aware of such meetings. Was Ambassador Johnson so aware?
• What role if any, did Ambassador Johnson play in this episode?
• Could any John Doe just walk into a prestigious US law firm and enter into an arrangement for that firm to act on behalf of a sovereign independent state without certified/official confirmation?
• Has the disputed contractual arrangement been terminated?

More Bawl Outs Coming.

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The Brady Factor

The Dudus Extradition Affair (DEA) has been complicated by what can be conveniently called the Brady factor.  Spin is unravelling; embarrassment is spilling all over the government; credibility is a casualty; the situation not only looks bad, but it stinks.

The Golding government needs to come clean. It is walking a vanishing line.  A number of questions remain unanswered:

•    Was Brady provided with written authority to enter into such an arrangement?

•    Did any government/ministry/department receive and respond to any request from the said US law firm regarding the authority of Brady to enter such arrangements on behalf of the GOJ?

•    Who were the individuals that accompanied the SG to meetings with officials of the US government?

•    Did Brady at any time meet with US officials regarding the DEA?

•    How many meetings did the US law firm attend in their capacity as representing the interests of GOJ?

•    Was the AG and Minister of Justice made aware of the occurrence and outcomes of such meetings?

•    Did the AG and Minister of Justice inform the PM and/or the cabinet of the occurrence and outcomes of any such meetings?

•    Did Brady inform the PM about the progress report of the US law firm"s representation on behalf of the GOJ?

•    Did the PM at any time instruct Brady on the direction/strategy to be employed in dealings with the US officials?

•    How much money was paid to the US law firm under the said arrangements and how were such funds sourced?

The Government's inept handling of this episode is turning out to be the newest quiz show: The Brady  Fact - or -???

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Bangarang on Broadway

A new musical is in the works. It's called "Bangarang on Broadway" - a Jamaican production with the local political crew.

The cast is multi-talented and some have never travelled abroad; whereas others have visited Washington ostensibly on government business.

The star is "Prezi" a shortman who garners much respect in his community and enjoyes a special relationship with the government of the day. He is wanted and the usual courtesies of a presidential visit are yet to be worked out. More detials are required before this is signed off.

The rising star is Brady Rex - one of great agility and a proclivity to dance and spin. He is not in the Cabinet; but is known to describe himself as a Consultant to the Government of Jamaica. He can sing and sports a wide repertoire ranging from oldies, rap, hip-hop and even a capella.

Travel to the US presents no problem because they are wanted to perform there.  Indeed the demand is so great that they may be forced to remain there for a very long time.

There is a slight problem confronting the organizers.  The men will be required to wear short pants. This is viewed as too high a price to pay for the continuous flow of US dollars that hve been promised.

Bruce being under stress has already secured the catering concession for the production.  Secuirty is not so tight; but no taping will be allowed.

No provision has been made for the US Ambassador to Jamaica or the proposed new Jamaica Ambassador to the US to attend.

"Revokees" will be given a discount on the entrance fee to the local production provided that they supply proof of recent embarrassment.

Jamaica to the world( but not to the US).

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"8 O'Clock Jamaica Time"

Those of you old enough will remember this political satire produced by Anthony Gambrill and others on the Jamaican political reality.

It was very amusing with notable Jamaican personalities being brilliantly portrayed to the delight of packed houses revelling in the political foibles.

One memorable performance was that of Harold Brady who portrayed Rex Nettleford. Brady, dressed in black leotards, spun and danced his way around the stage as if Nettleford had indeed choreographed himself in the role.  The voice and mannerisms were impeccably replicated. Brady was brilliant then with his twists and twirls. He was convincing as Rex Nettleford.  The audience applauded his performance and some returned to experience the act again and again.

Sadly Brady is still spinning and twirling his way albeit on a different stage.  The performance has not been credible.  There is no applause and the audience is flabbergasted. Hopefully there will not be a repeat.

There is another scheduled political satire being acted out: "Bruce-on-the-loose", "Bruce Gone to Pot", B.C.- Bruce Confused".

Unconfirmed reports are that the OCG is investigating ticket sales and casting procedures!

The Brady Contract

Brady's Spin

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Buying Time

The GOJ has "strategically released" detailed information concerning various points taken into consideration in the "Dudus affair".

This action by itself closes the option of going to the courts to have the matter resolved on the current request. The PM, AG, SG, Minister of Justice have held fast to their interpretation/application of the laws they have deemed relevant to the issue. That has been, and continues to be, a very public stand from which there can be no retreat without resignation.

The option of the decision being made by our own DPP, based on evidence supplied by Jamaican and US authorities, to press charges against Dudus in Jamaica is a luxury that the GOJ cannot afford. 

International mediation is very expensive and time consuming.  The outcome is dependent on the willingness of the contending parties to accept and implement the findings.  There are no guarantees that the issue will be resolved.

The solution that seems most likely is the issuing of a "superseding indictment" utilizing the regular channels and devoid of any bases of clarification/delay/rejection.

Irrespective of the option selected, Coke must have his day in court.  Unless he waives his rights, then this process should take two to three years to be exhausted.  That coupled with the precondition of his arrest would test severely the resolve of the GOJ/LP.

Consider the implications of such a timespan. In 2 1/2 years general elections are due!

Buying time involves hard currency, hard choices and hard consequences.

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Can Bruce Cook?

Source: Jamaica Observer - March 12, 2010

Clovis is my favourite cartoonist and I am not here defending his constitutional rights to a fair viewing.  He already has his day in The Observer.  This cartoon is based on the unprovoked admission by the Chief Servant as to the means he employs when under stress.

We have written on this. The Chief Servant got a scathing review from The Observer editorial for his unsolicited comical intervention that should have led to his visa being revoked instantly.

The PM must be under considerable stress from both local and foreign sources.  The Chief Servant is depicted as sweating profusely as a number of pots boil over.  Indeed it is the crisis in the kitchen and the cook appears overwhelmed. Perhaps he will resort to another locale to relieve the stress (sitting on the pot) or just go outside to light the kutchie not the duthchie.

Did I get it wrong? Bruce is prepared to pay the price for the spice.  But exactly what is being cooked up to serve on a now ever cynical public?

Given the messed up too salted - budget stew, the Air J curry fiasco, the scathing AA roastpork, Tweety bird cocktails, too sweet sugar deals and burned Lightbuns, it is clear that Bruce is no iron chef.

Operating with an overstaffed kitchen, the menu being offered is at best disappointing. Master cook Eddie did say he was not ready, for when he flopped he also flipped.

The question is unavoidable: Can Bruce cook?

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Knots in my Cabinet?

Bruce-on-the-loose must be appalled by the bumpy ride which cabinet and individual ministers have been experiencing over the past six months. For example:

• Audrey Flaw - repeated budgets and accompanying withdrawals.
• Tweety Bird - outburst on the granting of bail for alleged kidnappers.
• Ed AA Bartlett - scathing report by the OCG of misleading cabinet and misleading self.
• Lightweight - to sign or not to sign what is the answer PM?
• His Holiness - cabinet not considering political implications of tax measures.
• Shinehead - Edith just a haul and pull him.
• Dr. Cassava - Hill & Gully sugar divestment.

The" driva" is having a very rough ride - without "a lubricated conduit".  The "blinking bus" is in need of a mechanic as "the engine of growth" sputters along.  

"Technicalities" whether constitutional, contractual or extradition-al aside, the Chief Servant must be "hard talking" to himself: "knots is my cabinet?"

"Staring" is not enough. "Steering" is required. Can you hear me now? We are all listening. Play the tapes if you think you bad (gun salutes are illegal).

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Weapon of Mass Visa Revocation (WMVR)

It has been done before: it can be done again.  In this current age history is prone to be repeated with greater frequency and at much shortened intervals.

Politicians can make all the fanciful distinctions, example:
strains vs disagreements, engagement vs rift. The fact remains, USA is a superpower. Jamaica may just be a "pimple on the backside of progress".

Aside from Bolt, we have nothing unique and in worldwide demand. Reggae is now produced everywhere and the Japanese productions have aped an authentic vibe.

Small countries moreso those in the US backyard had better get used to the WMVR which has proved a very effective tool of applying pressure as it engenders widespread paranoia among the victim population.

Harbour any doubts you may wish but read about the Honduran experiece of just a few months ago.

US Hassles Honduran Businessmen

US Revokes Diplomatic, Tourist Visas of Honduran Officials

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DUD - US

The extradition debacle involving "Christopher "Dudus" Coke, is not so much about the notorious Tivoli mega-businessman with umbilical linkage to the JLP. 

It is primarly about the self-interests of leading JLP activists - some being cabinet ministers, some Members of Parliament, senators, prominent "persons" and others financial contributors.  It is for the JLP about "US"; not about "you", not about "them" but all about "US".

The real issue has been revealed:



Electronic Telephone Intercepts

• How many Members of Parliament had their telephones - private and business - tapped by the authorities?

• Over what period time were these "buggings" instituted?

• How were individuals/telephone numbers added or extracted from the lists?

• What has been done with the contents of the intercepts?

• Which authorities - local and foreign - have access to those wire tappings?

It is the self-interests of the JLP not to let the contents of those electronic telephone intercepts (ETI) be used as a basis for any extradition request or as evidence in any local or foreign court.  It is not about Dudus per se but the foundation of the extradition request. The JLP Government is mindful of setting precedent and a court adjudicating on the legality of the said intercepts.  It cannot take that risk.

In these "extradition treaty technicalities", the Tivoli don is merely a DUD.  Can you imagine the potential debvastation of those recordings of the conversations between "prominent persons" and the criminal network?  It would be off the Richter scale - a political earthquake triggering a tsunami of resignations (and arrests).

The US seems to know something about "US".  Can you hear me now?

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