Dudus apologizes to Jamaica

On Thursday, alleged gun and drug baron Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke made his first direct attempt to communicate with the wider populace with the release of a statement explaining his decision to sign the documents effectively ensuring his extradition to the United States.

In the statement, Mr. Coke said he instructed his attorneys of his intention to waive his right to a local extradition hearing and to proceed directly to the United States.

Mr. Coke said he made the decision of his own free will despite his belief that his case could have been successfully argued in the local courts.

Mr. Coke stated, “I have taken this decision for I now believe it to be in the best interest of my family, the community of Western Kingston and in particular the people of Tivoli Gardens and above all Jamaica.

“Everyone, the whole country, has been adversely affected by the process that has surrounded my extradition and I hope that my action Thursday will go some way towards healing all who have suffered and will be of benefit to the community of Tivoli Gardens."

In the statement, Mr. Coke also expressed deep regret at the what he deemed the unnecessary loss of lives, both civilian and members of the security forces.

He also noted that he was leaving the island and in particular his family members with a heavy heart and expressed hope that he would be vindicated by the proceedings in the United States.

Meanwhile Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn hailed what she called the professional conduct of the law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities who were involved in the apprehension of Christopher Coke.

She spoke with RJR News moments after Thursday morning's extradition hearing.

“You heard Counsel for the defence conveying the congratulations of the particular person who was before the court for the professionalism of law enforcement. So often a lot of persons are so cynical because of unfortunate evens which may occur as law enforcement and the prosecutorial authorities do their duty that this is a very good and positive movement for Jamaica to show that due process is alive and well,” Ms. Llewellyn said.  

And the pastor who has found himself in the centre of the arrest of a fugitive Pastor Al Miller is facing further questioning by the police at this hour.

Reverend Miller, who was driving the car transporting alleged drug dealer Christopher "Dudus" Coke when it was intercepted by the police, is being interviewed by personnel from the Organised Crime Investigation Division.

Following an appeal for him to do so, Reverend Miller turned himself in about 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.

He was questioned for nearly four hours and released.

It is widely speculated in legal circles that the clergyman could be charged with harbouring a fugitive after declaring that he was taking Mr. Coke to the US Embassy instead of the police, who had a warrant for his arrest.