'You ain't seen nothing yet'

Patrina Pink, Gleaner Writer

PRIME MINISTER Bruce Golding exuded confidence yesterday as he addressed a high-level Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) meeting of councillors and caretakers at the Jamaica Conference Centre, telling them that he was in intense preparation mode for the Manatt commission of enquiry and hinting that more secrets would be revealed.

Golding described his preparations as a colossal task. "I have an appointment coming up for which I have to be prepared. I have a mountain of stuff that we have to be clear in our minds on in order to do justice."

"I want to testify before that commission," said Golding to shouts of praise from the divisional councillors and councillor caretakers present. "The PNP apparently have revelled in what they think is an opportunity to play on a stage they believe is their own."

Golding said that the PNP's "strutting" at the enquiry would not deter the commission from its goals. In what seemed to be a reference to the secret memoranda of understanding signed between Dr Peter Phillips and the United States while Phillips was minister of national security, Golding said that more secrets would be revealed in short order.

Maintain confidences

"As prime minister, there are confidences that I have to maintain, but in considering those confidences, I have to determine what is in the public and national interest," Golding said.

"I will be there as long as the commission requires me - whenever that time comes. If you think you've seen anything yet, you ain't seen nothing yet."

While using Minister of Justice Dorothy Lightbourne's time at the Manatt wicket as a reference point, Golding said that he would be discussing with his lawyers how best to arrange his testimony. "The pace bowling hasn't come yet," said Golding, signalling to party supporters that there were intense times ahead for the commission.

The commission began on January 17, was scheduled to end on February 28, but has been extended to March 31.

In the meantime, Fernandez Smith, a Sherwood Divison Councillor with the Jamaica Labour Party, has resigned as chairman of the Sherwood division in North Trelawny with immediate effect.

Smith tendered his letter of resignation to JLP General Secretary Aundré Franklin yesterday.