Now to Mr Samuda's promise

It has been clear since early in the Christopher Coke extradition contretemps, and essentially confirmed by Mr Karl Samuda, that the episode seriously stressed the relationship with Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

As general secretary of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Mr Samuda did not know, initially, that Mr Golding had sanctioned the hiring of lobbyists to intercede with the US government over its extradition request for Coke, an alleged drug and gunrunner.

Many people, including Mr Samuda, we suspect, believe that Mr Golding gave tacit support to, if not openly encouraged his ministerial factotum, Mr Daryl Vaz, to challenge Mr Samuda for the general secretary post.

We are not surprised, therefore, that Mr Samuda interpreted his proposed move from the industry, investment and commerce ministry to energy and mining in Mr Golding's Cabinet reshuffle, as a demotion - or an area in which he did not wish to serve. So, he is out of the Cabinet.

Mr Samuda, however, is not leaving politics. He says he will concentrate on his North Central St Andrew parliamentary constituency, which he has represented for three decades.

Now he has the time, we hope Mr Samuda will concentrate on the perspectives he outlined at the time when gunmen in support of Coke threatened the Jamaican state.

He pledged then to turn his face forcefully against hard men and would-be enforcers who help to man that seedy aspect of Jamaican politics, garrison communities.

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