KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Most Jamaicans believe that Prime Minister Bruce Golding lied to the nation regarding the extradition of reputed gang leader Christopher “Dudus” Coke to the United States and that he no longer has credibility with citizens, according to a poll published here.
The poll, commissioned by the RJR Communications Group earlier this month, shows that 47 per cent of those questioned believe that Prime Minister Golding should have resigned over his role in the whole affair.
However 43 per cent disagreed, and felt the prime minister should remain in office.
The poll, which was conducted by Ian Boxhill and Associates from July 17 to 21, examined issues surrounding the Golding’s credibility and trustworthiness.
The pollsters questioned just over 1,000 persons in the survey that has a margin of error of plus or minus four per cent.
In May, Prime Minister Bruce Golding admitted that he knew of attempts to lobby the United States government to drop its extradition request for Coke, who faces life imprisonment in a US jail if convicted of drug and gun related charges.
The government had in the past defended its decision not to extradite Coke, stating that it would not act hastily and violate the extradition treaty between the two countries.
But in a statement to Parliament, Golding acknowledged that he had “sanctioned” persons in the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to approach the US-based law firm Manatt Phelps and Phillips to lobby Washington on the extradition issue.
Coke has since been extradited to the United States and is now awaiting trial.
The Boxhill poll also indicates that Prime Minister Golding is battling a credibility problem as 54 per cent felt he cannot maintain credibility with the Jamaican people, while 52 per cent felt he did not have the moral authority to lead.
In addition, 63 per cent of those polled were not satisfied with the explanation as to why the extradition of Coke was delayed for nine months.
According to pollsters, just over two thirds of the respondents believe the prime minister has not been truthful with the nation, on his administration’s role in the Coke extradition issue.
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