Big step towards transparency

THE EDITOR, Sir:

As one of the groups to have called for full disclosure on the circumstances leading up to the extradition of reputed drug lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, and the involvement of the US law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, the Jamaica Civil Society Coalition (JCSC) welcomes the commission of enquiry as a crucial development in Jamaica's governance process.

Noting that civil-society activism was what brought the process to this point, we are particularly pleased that these proceedings are being televised live to the Jamaican people. This landmark development is a very positive step for Jamaica's democracy and is a long way from the days in which civil-society groups and the public were barred from even taking notes in similar enquiries held in the past. The broadcast, therefore, signifies a commendable step towards transparency and engagement of the public in the governance process.

The JCSC believes that the televised event gives the Jamaican public an unobstructed view from which to draw their own conclusions and make their own judgments on what has taken place. While the JCSC waits to hear the remainder of the evidence and examinations to inform its next public position, the group is observing the proceedings closely and notes with deep concern the grave discrepancies among those who have testified so far.

We are, etc.,

JAMAICA CIVIL SOCIETY

COALITION