The US International Narcotics Control Strategy report has been published and is worth reading by every Jamaican.

The report is prepared in accordance with Section 489 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and Section 804 of the Narcotics Control Trade Act.

The report is prepared by the State Department with the assistance of the FBI, DEA, the CIS and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

The report makes a number of statements, which are very significant about the current Golding Administration.  The report suggests that the Golding Administration is corrupt and is inappropriately influenced by drug traffickers.

Further, the report criticizes and emphasizes the affiliation and affinity between the JLP and Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.  Jamaica is designated by the President of the USA as a narcotics transit country.

A number of investigative questions arise from the report:

•     Why is the Government of Jamaica not allowing the courts to handle the matter?

•     Why is the US request still in abeyance?

•     Why did the Government award a contract to Mr. Coke after the Grand Jury indictment occurred?

•     How much has been paid under this contract?

•     Are sitting senators or MPs recipients of financial contributions from Mr. Coke?

What will the future US response be?  Certainly, it will involve the cancellation of more visas and other negative developments particularly to US/Jamaica tourism.

Bruce Golding seems to be single-handedly destroying a bilateral relationship, which has taken years to develop and mature.  What next?

David Rowe is a Professor of Law at the University of Miami School of Law