Jamaica (catch all)

[davidbfpo]

A well written first article:http://www.foreignpolicy.com/article...llion?page=0,1 and a general article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...oby-traps.html

The later I noted refers to the sought drug lord's father:

Coke's father Lloyd, the previous 'don' of Tivoli, was killed in a mysterious fire while awaiting extradition to the US in a Jamaican prison in 1991.

What I am puzzled by and in principle critical of the USA seeking the extradition of such a "drug lord". Not that this has not happened before in this hemisphere. Why cannot the USA, presumably with the DEA as the 'lead' agency, present its evidence to a Jamaican court and try hard to secure a conviction? Note, Jamaica does have jury trials and the court could sit beyond Jamaica (akin to the Lockerbie trial in a Scottish court in Holland). Even with the "drug lord" tried in his absence, but not a defence lawyer.

Leaving aside the current human cost, did the USA consider what would be the impact on Jamaica, a less-developed country with a few problems? Just a few thoughts on how Jamaica could be "messed up" further:

1) Threats to the tourist areas @ Montego Bay and Ochos Rios, including cruise liners and consequent economic impact

2) A response by the "drug lords" to change their political allegiances from the traditional parties to a new party

3) An info war campaign by the sought "drug lord" to undermine the credibility of the state, along the lines of 'Catch me if you can".

A third background article:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...udus-Coke.html