The developing issue concerning Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke in Jamaica makes for interesting discussion. Those following the story since it broke would be aware that the political career of Prime Minister Bruce Golding is seriously under threat over the matter. So far Prime Minister Bruce Golding has been forced to address the nation to explain his actions in the matter which was triggered by a US government request for the extradition of Christopher Coke; the other with the engagement of the US law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

Some would say, to his credit, that Prime Minister Bruce Golding has not been afraid to confront the controversial issues. His earlier position on NOT appointing gays in his cabinet continues to reverberate in the global news space.  Not to forget his  perspective on the death penalty has also raised eyebrows. A pity more of our current crop of regional leaders have not demonstrated the gumption when confronted with the hard issues.

Several issues appear to be at play in the current issue involving Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke and the embattled Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding. The earlier link details Golding’s position on the matter. Golding’s willingness to challenge the validity of the US extradition order is worthy of note. Whether his latest position on the ‘Coke’ matter is based on a noble principle, time will tell.

Of interest to BU has been the reaction by the people from the village where Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke is reported to reside. The decision by the Jamaican government to finally execute the US extradition order has provoked an interesting reaction by his neighbours which can be gleaned from the picture above. The rise of the ‘don culture’ in Jamaica is a matter of record. The fear of a similar culture taking root in Barbados would have informed the recent decision to ban Mavado and Vibes Kartel from performing in Barbados.   The ability to influence poor people by those in the drugs and gangster business in Jamaica provides terrific insight. When people feel marginalized by the legitimate institutions in a country, it will create a void for other elements to fill; in this case rogue elements.

The dent in its global image, Jamaica a tourist destination is taking over this incident, reinforces the critical importance of maintaining law and order to support a stable society. The resistance by those in the Barbados society who have become intoxicated by cultural relativism sweeping the world needs to be confronted by the might of home-grown value-based opinion. The Jamaican situation is a clear example of the social fallout which can occur when our legitimate institutions continue to fail the people. For too long Barbadians have been ignoring the weeds which have started to take root in our lawns.

Given all we have read and heard on the matter, the people from Coke’s village who have gone to the streets in protest have been scathing in their condemnation of both the government and opposition. Surely there are lessons to be learned for Barbados!