In the beginning...

Last Sunday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding raised questions about the accuracy of The Gleaner's editorial and pointed to the official record of Parliament, Hansard.

Today, we present the March 16 exchange in Parliament when the issue of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips was first raised by Opposition MP Dr Peter Phillips, and excerpts from Prime Minister Bruce Golding's address to Parliament on May 11.

Dr Phillips: You, at City University? Now my question quite simply is, I understand that the Government of Jamaica in November 2009 entered into agreement with a firm name Manatt, Phelps & Phillips who claimed in their foreign agent registration that they represent the Government of Jamaica through Harold Brady of Brady and Company, and that their advice, among other things, is sought in relation to treaties, agreements, political and economic matters including, existing treaty arrangements between Jamaica and the United States at a cost of US$100,000 per quarter.

(And my question is, does - given the timing, given the information in relation, information that exist that the said gentleman operates as counsel for persons who are subject to extradition, which I can't prove or disprove - given the timing, my question is, does this represent a contractual obligation as reported of the Government of Jamaica, and does it relate to extradition matters, and is it properly entered into by the particular individual on behalf of the Government of Jamaica?) I can submit the documents, Mr Speaker, if you so desire.

The Speaker: But I don't know, Dr Phillips, how relevant this is to ...

Dr Phillips: Because I made the point, Mr Speaker ...

The Speaker: No, no, with due respect...

Dr Phillips: ... that if we are to enforce these agreements ...

The Speaker: Yes ...

Dr Phillips: ... if we are to demonstrate to the world our will, we can't send mixed signals. And it is in ... and I also said that extradition, joint investigation as well as the forfeiture of property, is part and parcel of an interest that we have.

And so, Mr Speaker, I have asked this question in relation to that to determine, not only for myself but for the country, the extent of the will being exercised when we approve the order. And I would urge you, Mr Speaker, unless someone raises a point of order, not to yourself, descending to the arena of debate.

The Speaker: No, no, it ...

Dr Phillips: I thank you and I support the Forfeiture Order. (Applause)

The Speaker: Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, the House has been asked to approve a resolution confirming an order made by the minister of national security to bring the agreement that was entered into between the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the United Kingdom within the ambit of the particular statute that provides for forfeiture and the sharing of forfeited property.

The diversion of the member is not at all surprising. And I think the House has better prepare itself that it is not the last time that you will have heard from that member in a similar diversion.

Mr Shaw: That's right.

The Prime Minister: Let me make it quite clear. The Government of Jamaica has not engaged any legal firm, any consultant, any entity whatsoever in relation to any extradition matter, other than deploying the resources that are available within the Attorney General's Department, who has a duty and a responsibility to guide the Government in these matters.

Prime Minister's Statement to Parliament Tuesday May 11, 2010

"On March 16, I stated in this House that 'the Government of Jamaica has not engaged any legal firm, any consultant, any entity whatsoever in relation to any extradition matter other than deploying the resources that are available within the Attorney General's Department'. That was the position then. It remains the position to this day ...

"The initiative which led to the engagement of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips by Mr Brady started with the Jamaica Labour Party in September, when he was approached to see whether, through his contacts with persons in the American political system, assistance could be obtained in finding a way to resolve what was seen as a treaty dispute between Jamaica and the US ...

"I sanctioned this initiative, knowing that such interventions have in the past proven to be of considerable value in dealing with issues involving the governments of both countries. I made it clear, however, that this was an initiative to be undertaken by the party, not by or on behalf of the Government.

"From the investigations that I have made Manatt, Phelps & Phillips were made to believe that Mr Brady was acting for the Government of Jamaica rather than the JLP, and that their engagement was authorised by the Government of Jamaica ...

"Manatt, Phelps & Phillips has relied on these meetings between its representatives and government officials and the email correspondence to which I have referred as authentication that it was acting on behalf of the Government. However -

"Mr Harold Brady was and is not a consultant to the Government and was never authorised to act on behalf of the Government or to engage the services of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to so act;

"Manatt, Phelps & Phillips registered the Government of Jamaica as its client without the knowledge or appropriate authorisation of the government ...