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DEA: Memorable Quotes

The Dudus Extradition Affair (DEA) produced some memorable quotes which were repeated ad infinitum in nearly every discussion of the topic. The mass media had a field day and some of these quotes were accompanied by attempts at animation which may or may not have been part of the narrative.

Below are a few which will bring back memories of those who watched the televised version:

Prime Minister Bruce Golding:

“ Now, I know that perhaps it is politically expedient to say, well, it’s Coke, or it could have been Mathews Lane strongman, Zeeks, or it could be any of these. I am not defending the wrongdoing of any person, but I will say this, If I have to pay a political price for it, I am going to uphold a position that the constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea. That’s not where they start.(Applause)
(Source: Hansard, Kerr 3:50 02. 03. 10)


“There are applications that go to the Minister, the Minister has to examine it. The Minister cannot shut her eye and sign it, she has to examine it. She has to satisfy herself that it is in keeping with the procedures that are provided in the treaty and in the Act. If a Minister having examined it, recognizes that it is supported by evidence that was unlawfully obtained, disclosed or used but still proceeds to sign it, she should immediately sign one other document, her resignation. I don’t know how one would condone an Attorney General signing something that she knows is rooted in an illegality.”
(Source: Hansard, Byran 02. 03. 10 3:35)

COP Hardley Lewin:

“ I tried to solicit the Minister’s attention to the extradition request and to seek his assistance in finding out just what the issues are, what is the hold up with the process being followed through. He informed me that it’s a matter for the Minister of Justice. I tried to say, well, then Minister can you help or find out, the Minister then said to me “ CP, you don’t understand, this matter could cause the government to collapse.” I said, “Oh”, and that was the very last time I mentioned anything about this extradition request to the Minister or any other member of the administration.”
(Manatt COE, February 4, 2011)


K.D. Knight QC (alias ‘Starboy’):

“You are a pathological mendacious person”

“He was referring to what you said, the ruling you made and laughed. He has a pathological condition when it comes to telling the truth and I am suggesting to you that you have misled, you have conspired and you have deceived the Parliament, the people of this country, and the Enquiry, this Commission, the Diaspora and every Jamaican, and that you Prime Minister, should pack your bags and go”.
(Manatt COE, Thursday March 31, 2011)



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