28, with a turnout of 61.46%. This election ended 18 years of PNP rule, and Golding became the new prime minister. Golding was sworn in by the Governor-General of Jamaica on 11 September 2007. Golding was the nation's eighth prime minister since independence. In April 2011, Bruce Golding said that Jamaica should break its ties with the British monarchy and become a republic. Speaking during a budget debate, Golding said that "transforming Jamaica from a monarchical to a republican state means no disrespect, and must not be interpreted this way". Criminal Affiliate Accusation An ABC Network article reported that Bruce Golding was a 'criminal affiliate of Christopher Coke ’. The article referred to a U.S government document to sustain its position. Golding categorically denied the accusation and this "U.S government document" has still not been produced. Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and Christopher "Dudus" Coke extradition request In a sitting of Parliament on 16 March 2010, Opposition member Dr. Peter Phillips made reference to an alleged contractual arrangement between the Government and a United States law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby the US Government on a treaty dispute between the two countries that had arisen as a result of the Jamaican Government refusing to sign an extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, who is wanted in the US on charges relating to narcotics, arms and ammunition trafficking. The Golding Administration refused to sign the extradition request on the basis that the evidence was obtained contrary to Jamaican laws. Golding denied claims that Manatt, Phelps & Phillips was contracted to represent the Jamaican Government. A US Justice Department filing under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) showed that Manatt, Phelps & Phillips had secured a contract worth US $400,000 to represent the Jamaican government in the treaty dispute. Karl Samuda, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, made a statement in which he noted that unnamed members of the Jamaica Labour Party had approached Harold Brady, to see whether—through his wide network of international contacts—he could assist in facilitating the opening of discussions between the US authorities and the Government of Jamaica, and thereby seek to resolve what had become a treaty dispute between the US and Jamaica. In a statement made by Golding on 11 May 2010 in Parliament, he revealed that he had sanctioned the initiative to lobby the US Government but that the initiative was to be undertaken