Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to Mr Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

Dear Mr Coke,

Like so many Jamaicans here and abroad, we have been following events surrounding your life and activities very closely over the past 10 months. It has now come to the point where the request for the extradition order has been signed and authorised by the Government of Jamaica and it must therefore take its course according to law and the treaty in place between Jamaica and the United States.

We believe that this whole episode has been handled very badly by our Government and, as we have said before, maybe your interests were not at the forefront in this case, but the interests of others to whom you are very important.

As we write this letter we are aware of the developments which are rapidly taking place which seem to point to a confrontation between officers of the state and some of your supporters. Once more this could lead to bloodshed and the loss of life in Tivoli and other parts of Jamaica. It could be a real nightmare for Jamaica, and the people whom you would want to help may be the greatest losers.

Under these circumstances therefore, we are appealing to you to personally intervene and to use your influence to avoid any confrontation, and/or loss of life and damage to Jamaica, our country.

We must appeal to you because it is clear that the Government has lost the moral authority and ability to properly handle this situation and, in fact, it is your life and freedom that are at centre stage right now.

Having listened to expert legal opinions and especially to statements from your former attorney, Tom Tavares-Finson, and all the authorities involved in the case, we are convinced that your best course of action is to get the best legal advice which will be truthful and objective and allow you to weigh the pros and cons in the matter.

This advice should encourage you to approach the courts willingly and to negotiate the best terms and conditions for a fair hearing and trial.

We are of the opinion that it would be safer for you — your life must be preserved — if your case is heard as soon as possible with your chosen legal representatives in the United States. It would also put you at an advantage, despite those who think otherwise.

In the final analysis, it is your decision but we believe that Jamaica has shed enough blood and tears since slavery, through colonialism and continues now as a result of the decadent tribal, corrupt, political system which has hurt us so much and has made martyrs of so many people from Tivoli Gardens.

We call on you to change all this. You can; you know you can. Respect.

Jamaicans United for Sustainable Development

PO Box 1823

Kingston 8