'Step aside, Mr PM'

Prime Minister Bruce Golding yesterday disclosed in Parliament that he gave orders for the law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby the United States government on the extradition matter involving alleged crime lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. The prime minister's admission that he sanctioned the deal came nearly two months after he categorically stated that he knew nothing of the affair. The Gleaner got the views of the man on the street in Montego Bay on the matter:

Patrick Casserly, president, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry

"I'm happy that the prime minister stepped forward to disclose his involvement in this thing. I believe it is a step in the right direction because what is critical for this country is that there be clear and precise disclosure in how this country is governed."

Winston Fearon,taxi operator

"He should resign. He is the prime minister, he should speak the truth. Whatever he did was wrong. As a prime minister, it is not right for him to lie to us and expect to continue to lead the Jamaican people. We were deceived by him. When he does things like this what does he expect us to do? He should resign now."

Carlene Minott,training manager

I think it was underhanded. The fact is that what he is saying now suggests that he knew of the checks from the outset. At the same time, this whole difference of party as compared with government - they are one and the same, so trying to differentiate to justify it does not make any sense to me."

Claudine Smith, chef

"He decided to tell the truth now because people are finding out the truth, so he had to come out and say it. It is obvious that he was trying to cover up from the start. He tried to fool the nation but it did not work. He needs to step aside now."