PNP still seeking answers on Dudus delayed extradition

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) says it is still seeking answers from the government, for delaying the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Chairman of the PNP's Communications Commission, Dr. Peter Phillips, raised the issue at a Constituency Conference in St. James on Sunday night, claiming that the Prime Minister still needs to address the unanswered questions.

According to Dr. Phillips, the government has gone into defense mode, when all they are seeking is accountability.

He says people whose views align with that of the PNP are being accused of having political motives, but claims the government needs to stop skirting the issue that has led to the country having to spend close to a billion dollars.

“How is it that the Government of Jamaica operates alongside the Jamaica Labour Party to present a legitimate request for extradition of a notorious figure accused of serious criminality from going to the courts? I wonder why we don’t want these questions answered,” Dr. Phillips said.

He says the figure was arrived at based on the Finance Minister's announcement that the Tivoli incursion cost some half a million dollars, in addition to how much it will cost to rebuild coronation market, rebuild police stations and other damaged structures.

In the meantime, he emphasised that the government's pattern of abusing those who seek answers must stop.

“What I've noticed is the pattern of abuse of all of those who raise the issue. The Government has now resorted to abusing the press because he has breached the fundamental requirements of good governance. The Prime Minister in a comment made in the country says his responsibility is to the people and not to those in the pinnacle of the private sector,” he said.

Dr. Phillips was speaking at the West Central St. James Constituency conference in Montego Bay on Sunday night.