Senior government officials are remaining quiet on the extradition request from the United States for west Kingston strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke despite increasing calls from the public for more information.

For most of the past three weeks, government officials responded to requests for information on the extradition request by pointing to Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dorothy Lightbourne.

But yesterday, Lightbourne claimed she was not in a position to address the issue.

With expectant journalists awaiting her address to the Rotary Club of St Andrew, Lightbourne opened with her first public statement on the issue, but she did not have much to say.

"I know that it is a matter of national interest. I know members of the public need information but the matter of the extradition is under consideration. It is with the solicitor general and the department that is doing research and I indicated that I would not speak on the issue at all," Lightbourne said.

"Once the decision is made we will have as much discussion as you wish," she added.

No timeline

Responding to a question after her presentation, Lightbourne said there was no timeline on the extradition request but she refused to go any further.

Just over three weeks ago, news broke that the United States had slapped drug and illegal firearm-related charges on Coke and requested his extradition.

But the extradition request has to be approved by the justice minister before Coke can be arrested and taken before a resident magistrate who will decide if he should be extradited.