The Government says it knows nothing of any additional payment to US law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips to lobby on extradition matters on behalf of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
The law firm Wednesday disclosed in its latest filing in the US that further to the US$50,000 it received last September from local attorney at law Harold Brady, it received another US$15,000 on March 19.
However, at Thursday morning's Post Cabinet press briefing, Information Minister Daryl Vaz pleaded ignorance on behalf of the government.
He said the matter will have to be investigated.
“Can I indicate that this matter came to light last night. It is not reasonable to ask on a matter that has been so sensitive over the last few months that you expect that answers are given without full investigation based on the history,”
“I have indicated that Minister Holness is here to meet with me after this so that we can make sure that when a statement is issued, it is issued comprehensively and not based on any misinformation or any speculation,”
On the defensive
But when questioned by reporters as to why the revelation took the government by surprise, Mr. Vaz went on the defensive.
“What I can indicate is that the government has no involvement neither does the party with this US$15,000, it is a straight payment from lawyer to lawyer,” he said.
The JLP is to issue a statement on the issue later Thursday.
No further comment
In the meantime, further comments on the Manatt, Phelps and Phillips matter by Prime Minister Bruce Golding are unlikely.
Mr. Vaz said the Prime Minister has already spoken on the issue.
“The Prime Minister has already given that in parliament and the statement that is going to be issued by the party will deal with the Prime Minister up to now in relation to this specific payment and after you get that statement I am sure that any questions that are raised will be answered by the person who is dealing with the party matters,” Mr. Vaz said.
Brady interjects
And less than 24 hours after the US law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips revealed that it got an additional US$15,000 to lobby on behalf of the Jamaican Government, attorney Harold Brady is seeking to clear the air.
Mr. Brady released a statement to the RJR News Centre on Thursday afternoon.
According to Mr. Brady, the dollar amount represents a final payment under the commercial arrangements between his law firm and Manatt to terminate the contract in February 2010.
When contacted Mr. Brady said he would not be commenting any further on the issue.
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