Page 94 - Demo

The 2009 Jamaica-USA extradition affair: A ‘securitised’ response to Jamaica’s drug problem
Synopsis
In August 2009, The United States made an extradition request for a Jamaican national, Mr Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, to face drug charges. This request was delayed for nine months but, by May 2010, former Prime Minister Golding announced to the nation that the Minister of Justice would sign this request.
An eruption of gun battles in Tivoli Gardens between law enforcers and the alleged supporters of Mr Coke followed this announcement. The media captured dead bodies in the street and complaints from residents that the state used excessive lethal force against them. The impasse between the people and the law enforcers ended with the capture of Mr Coke on 22nd June 2010. Thereafter, he waived his rights to formal legal proceedings in Jamaica, opting instead to be extradited directly to the United States.
Two fundamental features underlie this case. First, drug trafficking remains a serious problem undermining the security of the state and the safety of citizens. Second, among the governmental measures implemented to respond to this problem is the Jamaica-USA Extradition Treaty. This Treaty authorises United States trial of drug cases involving Jamaican traffickers.
Security lenses are used
in the explanation of Jamaica’s drug problem and its responses. Drug trafficking and the outcome of the 2009 Jamaica-
USA Extradition matter have reflected the use of extraordinary measures, through a process called securitisation.
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