Baugh, Samuda wilt under press pressure
Published: Monday | May 17, 2010
Lovelette Brooks, News Editor
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Chairman Dr Ken Baugh and General Secretary Karl Samuda are veteran politicians used to facing the media, but at the Sandals Grande hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, yesterday, both appeared fazed as journalists peppered them with a barrage of questions.
The media probe was met with few answers about Prime Minister Bruce Golding's controversial role in lobby action for accused drug lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
It was almost pandemonium as the media briefing descended into a shouting match.
What are the further details on the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips saga? The Dudus extradition case? The prime minister's apology? How will confidence be restored in the Government?
Beads of perspiration lined Samuda's forehead as he tried to fend off the crescendo of questions from the media firing squad.
As the two, in their opening statements, disclosed that party members decided that Golding should remain JLP leader and prime minister, journalists itched for a chance to pose questions.
Quickly, the media contingent sought answers to the questions regarding an apology from the prime minister and the timing of the confession to the nation that he sanctioned the Manatt deal.
"We are satisfied that the allegations are not near the level for resignation," Samuda argued.
Baugh seemed to contradict Samuda as he claimed: "The prime minister's resignation was the correct thing to do."
This sent the journalists into another frenzy.
But Generation 2000 President Delano Seiveright escorted the two from the room, claiming they were needed in the Central Executive meeting.
With the media far from satisfied, it was clear that the JLP and the Government will have to answer many more questions in the coming days.
Published: Monday | May 17, 2010
Lovelette Brooks, News Editor
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Chairman Dr Ken Baugh and General Secretary Karl Samuda are veteran politicians used to facing the media, but at the Sandals Grande hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, yesterday, both appeared fazed as journalists peppered them with a barrage of questions.
The media probe was met with few answers about Prime Minister Bruce Golding's controversial role in lobby action for accused drug lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
It was almost pandemonium as the media briefing descended into a shouting match.
What are the further details on the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips saga? The Dudus extradition case? The prime minister's apology? How will confidence be restored in the Government?
Beads of perspiration lined Samuda's forehead as he tried to fend off the crescendo of questions from the media firing squad.
As the two, in their opening statements, disclosed that party members decided that Golding should remain JLP leader and prime minister, journalists itched for a chance to pose questions.
Quickly, the media contingent sought answers to the questions regarding an apology from the prime minister and the timing of the confession to the nation that he sanctioned the Manatt deal.
"We are satisfied that the allegations are not near the level for resignation," Samuda argued.
Baugh seemed to contradict Samuda as he claimed: "The prime minister's resignation was the correct thing to do."
This sent the journalists into another frenzy.
But Generation 2000 President Delano Seiveright escorted the two from the room, claiming they were needed in the Central Executive meeting.
With the media far from satisfied, it was clear that the JLP and the Government will have to answer many more questions in the coming days.
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