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(Jamaica Gleaner) United States law-enforcement authorities are keeping a close watch on Jamaica as local justice officials react to a request for the extradition of reputed Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.
Other than a confirmation that the request for an extradition has been received, there has been no word from local authorities, including justice minister Dorothy Lightbourne, who is believed to have the request on her desk.
However, attorney-at-law and University of Miami professor, David Rowe, is cautioning the Bruce Golding administration to tread carefully as it addresses the request.
“There is a committee in the US Department of Justice that monitors these proceedings and watches for instances of obstruction of justice,” Rowe told The Gleaner on Wednesday.
Rowe said that the US obstruction-of-justice statute had extra-territorial impact and could be used against any individual in Jamaica believed to be attempting to interfere in a judicial proceeding.
According to Rowe, the indictment against Coke could lead to other probes against individuals in Jamaica who might have been involved in criminal activity.
“I expect that Jamaica could soon be asked to extradite other high-profile figures, particularly in relation to a wharf, which is mentioned in the indictment,” Rowe said.
“I believe the Grand Jury is enquiring into the wharf and the operation of Tivoli Gardens as a garrison, particularly in the post-2007 period.”
