436 / 494
435
he was given requisite protection. His attorney-at-law, Mr. Tavares-Finson,
wrote a letter to the Chief of Staff, JDF, thanking him and the officers of the JDF.
13.52.
The text of Mr. Tavares-Finson’s letter reads:
“I wish on behalf of the defence team of Michael Coke to
convey our gratitude to the Jamaica Defence Force for the
professional and efficient manner in which the process of the
extradition was handled while he was in custody. The
courtesies which your men extended to us are greatly
appreciated by all concerned.
Kindly convey to all our appreciation.
Sincerely,
Tom Tavares Finson”
13.53.
While in custody at Up Park Camp, Coke made no statements
concerning his escape or his capture. He answered only 12 questions of 182 put
him in interview conducted by Supt. Michael Phipps.
FINDINGS
13.54.
We believe that he was able to avoid capture for 29 days
because of the power of his vast criminal organisation which must have
provided support systems for him.
13.55.
In the absence of evidence from Rev. Al Miller, we cannot
make a definitive finding as to whether he was intercepted on his way
to surrender to the U.S. Embassy or whether he was captured as
indicated in Chapter 12. It matters not because, irrespective of the
nomenclature, it seems to us that he was apprehended as a result of
Intelligence and duly handed over to authorities of the USG after
waiving his rights to an extradition hearing in Jamaica.