Samuda refuses to reveal source of Manatt funds

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

The refusal of former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary Karl Samuda to reveal the identity of party supporters who provided US$49,000 to engage the services of United States law firm, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, yesterday triggered an intriguing stand-off with the attorney representing the People's National Party, K.D. Knight.

This prompted Knight, who was cross-examining Samuda at the Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry, to urge the commission to haul the minister before the courts because of his refusal to answer.

"I am asking the commission to take the necessary step as provided in the (Commission of Enquiry Act) in the same way that it was not hesitant to take steps against Mr (Harold) Brady," suggested Knight.

Brady has been hauled before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court for refusing to give evidence at the enquiry.

But the threat of court action did not seem to faze Samuda.

However, Knight later withdrew his demand.

Under cross-examination from Knight, Samuda said persons had approached Brady, who is closely associated with the JLP, to initiate exploratory talks with Manatt.

"I would not be prepared to answer … they are party people who have served well and I can't … ," Samuda said.

But that is as far as he would go on the matter.

Knight: "Who paid the money?"

Samuda: "I have no intention of revealing those names."

Knight: "Why."

Samuda: "I do not intend to reveal internal party matters … ."

Knight: "It's no longer a party matter … there are allegations and obfuscations every part of the way."

Samuda: "I know you are frustrated … ."

Knight: "Don't tell me about my frustration."

Phipps' objection

As the exchange reached fever pitch, Frank Phipps, the attorney representing the JLP, objected to the line of questions, arguing that they had nothing to do with the commission's terms of reference.

However, Knight countered that the objection was without merit.

"I am suggesting to you that this is a fabrication," declared Knight. "No one approached Mr Brady."

But Samuda rebutted that he detected a level of frustration in the attorney.

"All of this was a sham, there was a plot within the Jamaica Labour Party to prevent the extradition of Dudus," countered Knight.

"I disagree vehemently," responded Samuda.

The former JLP general secretary told the commission that he came into the picture when he was asked to investigate and bring about some resolution to an impasse between former JLP Deputy Treasurer Daryl Vaz and Brady which had gone public.

"Would you agree that the investigations was nothing but a sham … ?" queried Knight.

Samuda rejected the suggestion.

The minister also denied knowledge that JLP leader Bruce Golding had committed US$100,000 per quarter to pay Manatt.

Prodded samuda

Patrick Atkinson, attorney for Dr Peter Phillips, took up where Knight left off as he prodded Samuda to say who approached Brady to engage the services of Manatt.

Atkinson: "I am suggesting to you that Mr Coke was an important person to the Jamaica Labour Party, would you agree?"

Samuda: "He was a supporter of the JLP."

Atkinson: "Was he important to it (the party)?"

Samuda: "We have never viewed him as a political operative."

Atkinson: "I am suggesting to you that he was important to the election machinery of the JLP."

Samuda: "Well, you are telling me something that I am not aware of."

Atkinson: "I am suggesting to you that there would be a political backlash if Mr Coke was extradited."

Samuda: "I don't agree with you."

But Atkinson suggested that the JLP took the initiative for the extradition request to go away.

"I suggest that the Government was stalling while the JLP negotiated behind the scenes to get the US government to withdraw."

But Samuda rejected the suggestion.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com