Manatt Phelps and Phillips saga

When the saga surrounding the extradition of alleged drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke captured the attention of Jamaica and the world, another matter emerged that brought to light the role played by a US based law firm, Manatt, Phelps and Phillips in the extradition request.

Manatt Phelps and Phillips was brought to the public's attention on March 16, 2010, when member of the opposition People's National Party (PNP), Peter Phillips made a startling revelation concerning an alleged contractual arrangement between the Government and the law firm.

However this was denied by Prime Minister Bruce Golding . But weeks later the Prime Minister admitted in a statement to Parliament that in his capacity as leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), he gave authorization for Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to help lobby the United States on the extradition issue.

“I made it clear, however, that this was an initiative to be undertaken by the party, not by or on behalf of the Government." Golding then said.
In one of the most recent developments the Government has now decided to appoint a Commission of Enquiry into the handling of Coke's extradition and the subsequent engagement of Manatt, Phelps & Philips.