KINGSTON, Jamaica – A prominent lawyer has been picked in Jamaica to head an inquiry commission that will look into the government's handling of a U.S. extradition request for alleged drug baron Christopher "Dudus" Coke.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding told lawmakers Tuesday that attorney Emil George will lead the three-member commission to examine the hiring of a U.S. lobbying firm to contest Washington's extradition request for Coke and other details.

Golding says the panel must deliver a report and any recommendations to the Caribbean island's governor general by Feb. 28.

Golding's handling of the Coke case, in particular his authorization of the hiring of the U.S. firm, provoked an outcry that threatened his political career.