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 -???

Read more...

"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

Read more...

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.

Read more...