A close-up view of 'Dudus'

From Tivoli ‘don’ to accused international drug lord

Sunday, June 06, 2010

Journalist Tino Geddes, who has frequented Tivoli Gardens for many years, gives a personal account of the rise of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke from a modest community 'don' to the international figure described by United States authorities as one of the most dangerous drug and arms dealers in the world today.

DESCRIBED by Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, a former head of the Jamaica Defence Force, who later became commissioner of police, as the "Mother of all Garrisons", Tivoli Gardens has been the most feared inner-city community in Jamaica for the past five decades.

Official crime statistics show that virtually no crimes are committed in Tivoli Gardens, although its best known residents are regarded as the most dangerous and ruthless persons in Jamaica. Such is the fear of the Tivoli 'dons' that blanket assurances can be given for the security of any person's property or life in the community on their say-so.

The world famous Wednesday night street dance "Passa Passa" is a classic example of this. Patrons are assured that if they leave their vehicles open and unmanned these will not be interfered with. This has held true since the inception of the event seven years ago.

Tivoli is a self-sufficient community, boasting schools, churches, a variety of shops, a state-of-the-art maternity and pre-natal clinic, tailor and barber shops, hairdressers, dressmakers, bars and food shops, shoemakers and an assortment of playfields.

The community is adjacent to the Coronation Market (now being rebuilt after being gutted during the ongoing unrest), and opposite the famed Miles Pharmacy which offers anything from prescription and over-the-counter drugs to good luck books and candles, fresh bread and even bar services.

It required someone of real and rare vision to conceptualise this community, and a special breed of men to maintain it.

Starting with Zackie, the 'High Priest', followed by Claudie 'Jack' Massop, then for a short while Carl 'Bya' Mitchell, through Lester Lloyd 'Jim Brown' Coke, to his son Anthony 'Jah T' Coke and now on-the-run Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

During the reign of the successive dons, there has always been a cadre of feared men 'upside' them. Zackie had a young Claudie Massop; 'Bobeye', who later became known as Jim Brown; Alvin George Gordon, 'Micky Jacques' and Desmond Paige, who was charged along with Gordon for one of the earliest politically motivated gun slayings back in the late 1960s.

Jim Brown was supported by Micky Jacques, George Dinall 'Rock', Donovan Jones, one of two enforcers called 'Left Hand', 'Hunch', and a host of others.

Jah T's reign ran concurrently with his father's, as Jim Brown died on February 23, 1992, the same day Jah T was buried. It was decided after the death of the elder Coke that adopted son, Christopher 'Dudus' would take over.

He had no shortage of lieutenants, and unlike his father, he shied away from publicity and attention. Jim Brown, chief enforcer for the feared Shower Posse, would occasionally showcase an awesome array of jewellery and silk clothing, while Dudus always dressed modestly.

They were dissimilar in other respects as Jim was a tall, imposing figure, with a sharp wit and an always ready, swift and often brutal response to adversity, while Dudus stands no taller than five feet seven inches and speaks softly, and only when necessary.

Dudus inherited a kingdom, handed down from the mainly US-based Shower Posse, and took it to another level. Once installed as head of Tivoli, Dudus ensured that politics would be no barrier to his organisation.

Persons deported from the US and the United Kingdom with only their shirts on their backs and pockets devoid of cash, could find a measure of comfort from Coke, who would ensure that all their overseas contacts were preserved, and utilised.

As a result, Coke was not seen as just the leader of Tivoli Gardens, but indeed the leader of all inner-city communities.

Media reports which claimed that Dudus often met with Matthews Lane strongman 'Zeeks' Phipps are incorrect.

Dudus would only see Phipps if Phipps came to Tivoli, and then only reluctantly would he have audience. He never saw himself on the same page as Zeeks and made that abundantly clear.

Dudus always kept himself in shape, playing hours of football in his kingdom. He also kept himself well-informed about current affairs and persons in the news.

I have met with Dudus on several occasions, always in Tivoli, and I know quite a bit about how he thinks about local public opinion.

I recall taking a curious television behind-the-scenes personality to meet "The President", and he was shocked that at the first mention of his name, Dudus was able to pinpoint his job position at the television station.

This was always the man: shrewed, informed, confident, unassuming and quiet but exuding an air of capability that would put anyone on alert.

This is Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

I clearly remember his anger, suppressed though it was, when policemen were killed, apparently in retaliation for the police shooting the day before of 'Chris Royal' Coke, another relative.

He had no hesitation in advising the security forces who wished to interview him, about his whereabouts and the time when he would be in various places. He had nothing to do with those killings and thus, had nothing to fear.

He always felt that he had an obligation to the Tivoli community and he provided for the residents.

Labelled a criminal fugitive at the time of writing, Dudus may be all that he is made out to be by the US authorities, but he has always been a caring person, just as his predecessors were.

No matter what, as the residents of Tivoli Gardens maintain, they are prepared to die for the man, do anything for him, and display what seems by all accounts to be a genuine affection for him, not born from his generosity, but from his concern for them.

Dudus is not a run of the mill ordinary Joe, looking to make some money and in search of power. He has never been and he will never be regarded by those who have known him, in that light.

I have personally known all the previous 'dons' of Tivoli Gardens. I had a special affection for Massop; I was closely involved with Bya; I watched Jah T go through high school at Wolmer's; I was particularly close to Jim Brown, and although not as close to Dudus as I was to his father, the younger Coke has commanded my respect.

Having no way of communicating with him, I can only hope that, somehow, though highly unlikely, something positive will work out for him.

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COMMENTS (30)

Soni Warren
6/6/2010

What an irresponsible article! The feeble-minded (a dangerous too many) may now disregard all events heretofore and start viewing Dudus as a hero while silly women will coddle this romantic charm of Dudus being a well-intended but misunderstood bad guy. Evidence below. Got it, Brooklyn?
This man (see, I too acknowledge his humanity) is not ALL that is wrong with Ja. and he may not even be the worst of us but Dudus is hardly a hero.

paul m
6/6/2010

So, if I offer "safety" by telling MY thieves and gunmen to leave OUR community alone but go cause mayhem and pilfer the rest if JAMAICA then i am a PROTECTOR and should be revered for my peace keeping abilities...I refuse to believe anyone who is able to read and write or posess even minimal intelligence could believe that unless they profitted from the spoils and were "protected".

Frata Sims
6/6/2010

You missed out a great part of his life when at age 14,(yes fourteen), when he was so murderous in his deeds that his father almost killed him. He was totally out of control! "Bad pickney".
Then too, when Seaga wanted him caught by the police.
Is it that you are afraid to say the bad things out of an abundance of caution? Come onTino Geddes! Get real. A don does not get to be one by following the ways of Father Hollung.

Miz Dee
6/6/2010

Reading this made me feel like I was reading a few chapters out of I & II Kings. That's all I'm gonna say.

Mel Lisa
6/6/2010

@ Brooklyn Jamaican
"Its interesting to note that most of the positive comments towards this criminal is offered by females. I wonder why?"
Or is it men using women's aliases??

Ezric Brown
6/6/2010

Tino was not glorifying Dudus as some of you trying make it out to be . He was just giving a brief history of West Kingston which most of you who are condemning People from Tivoli need to know. Most of you need to put your Political bias aside and look at the article for what it is. I happen to know that what Mr. Geddes is saying is true. For those who have never been to West Kingston and condemning, do your homework on the history of Jamaican Politics and without bias make your Judgement.

barby jones
6/6/2010

To Tino Dudus was "Mr Wonderful", but it cannot be normal for there to be NO crime, in a normal community. That is either Utopia Heaven or Hell. A normal Community is not homogenous made up only of Angels.That means the people were ruled by terror and coercion to conform. That is slavery of another kind. God gave us all free will to make choices - yes even to commit crime. Mr Geddes may be lamenting the passing of an era, that he wont be able to regale people with his nefarious associates.

Brooklyn Jamaican
6/6/2010

Its interesting to note that most of the positive comments towards this criminal is offered by females. I wonder why?

Winston Jones
6/6/2010

The criminal empire ( Shower Posse ) inherited by Dudus was in part enabled by the United States. Ronald Reagan and the United States who wanted Manley out because of his strong ties to communist Cuba push for Seaga to be in power. Whatever was needed was given and Jim Brown and his lieutenants was put in charge to care of the rest. 800 people died in the 1980 election campaign mostly with guns from the United States. Jim Brown was murdered in prison because he knew too much.

Richard Davidson
6/6/2010

Now the real stories are coming out after all that choas.

Esmore Gillings
6/6/2010

What is the purpose of this article? It is lacking in so many areas. What is this a plea for "The President" to be knighted? Caring my (you know what). I guess then that gangsterism should be added to the list of job competencies be developed and implemented by the HEART Trust/NTA.
Jesus Christ this is insanity.

andrew wright
6/6/2010

Why did the writer so conveniently left out the large extortion ring that was run by this scumbag called Dudus. It is clear that you were paid to write such garbage. Even poor vendors who sell in the market had to pay extortion in addition to what they pay to the govt. for rent

C M
6/6/2010

An article in another suggests that he was a Math Whizz. As such he has a mind of problem solving, once he learned of the extradition order I bet he started his planning, he probably speaks other languages for conversation, I bet he does not boast so it's easy to assimilate new communities, a person of his intelligence needs to be looked at on a higher level, I bet he reads these blogs on his laptop while in plain sight. This is all speculation but it sounds good to me..I AM NOT A FAN.

jody hyde
6/6/2010

To all you bloogers from USA, how many of you had send guns and ammunitions to Jamaica? How dare you point fingers when some of you are as guilty as these so-called don's. When did you get so darn holy? since the recession? It pains me to see some of the grabage some of you people write. Some of you are the reason why the murder rate is so high, why would. someone ship home guns? to murder of course.
Everyone has become holy and righteous since dudus case, is it your conscience riding you?

Opal Brooks
6/6/2010

It's good to get a different perspective on the "feared don". Dudus has lived in Tivoli all his life and no one thought he was an international criminal until the Americans said he was. The police always knew where he was yet no one tried to arrest him for the alleged atrocities he committed?
Everyone is innocent until proved guilty. Dudus, don or no don, is no exception.
By the way, I have never met the man neither do I live in West Kingston.

Black Diamond
6/6/2010

Thank you Tino......Thank you so much

Simone Spence
6/6/2010

happen to have friends who live in T.G. and they have always said, while DUDUS is not God, he is not all that people make him out to be. I want someone to tell me about one community in Jamaica that does not have a bad man. It is one of the few remaining communities that you walk around freely in and leave your windows and doors open at nights without fear. The cowardice of the situation is that we believe that if we catch this one man, all wrongs in the country will stop. How daft can we be?

Hotta Bhingi
6/6/2010

A true leader is a man that will stand for positive change. To you Dudus might have been a protector. But in reality, around him there were killers, illegal guns and ammunition. Dudus is who Jamaican politicians make him out to be, a scapegoat for their ineptitude and greed. They created a man to do the dirty work, a house slave. Dudus must now show his mettle and bring an end to politics and criminality by exposing the truth. The political directorate that sanctioned the affair must resign now.

A. Croft
6/6/2010

At first I was not going to write a comment here but then I thought I must; so here goes.
This is the most condescending piece of garbage I have ever read. Reason: The Don was in this for money. He does not give a dam about the people there. Why would he have a huge house on the hill and they in TG? He wants to be better than them.
There is no need for guns, ammo., tunnels, death chambers, shallow graves and bombs when you truly want to help people. He could have utilized other means to help.

Nicolas Henry
6/6/2010

The writer of this article, have some strong sentimental attachment. DUDUS needed to run for office then. The guns, ammos, hand grenades, IEDS, suspected torcher chambers & dynamites that are turning up in TIVOLI, which was ran by DUDUS, represent a person, this writer shouldn't have great respect for. I hope young Jamaicans don't read this & become sypathizers, then try to accend themselves to a donman role. GOD HELP US"""""""

Brooklyn Jamaican
6/6/2010

The writer agrees that this gentleman inherited the Shower Posse, yet he goes on to describe him as a gentle caring soul. That is a paradox in and of itself. With public figures and spin doctors like these we are in deep....

Brooklyn Jamaican
6/6/2010

Another Pseudo public relations endorsement of a foreign country.

george watson
6/6/2010

Everybody and his brother seem to want to make a legend out of whom we perceive as an evil, murderous criminal.
If he had the “obligation to the Tivoli community” at heart, as the writer wants us to believe, why did the coward rat run and leave so many to die, including women and children?
Maybe the next time the writer or the Reverend meets with him, they could ferret (good word here) that out of him.
In the meantime be reminded that these stories are for the choir. It will not change how we the majority of people think about a dirty little murderer.

Raul Grant
6/6/2010

My brother, in my opinion this man has been part responsible for the high murder rate in Jamaica. Its all well and good to acknowledge his good attributes as I am sure even Hitler had, but for me he is a low life.
The good I want out of this is that Dudus implicates perhaps lower life forms-corrupt officials who masquerade as decent people.

Jaye Stone
6/6/2010

You may not publish my comment, but I don't care. We do not need this hymn to Dudus right now. This article is a boast, an obvious attempt to humanize Dudus, and the work of this "journalist" would not find its way into any reputable publication.
The vision for Tivoli should have been the vision for Jamaica, the same services and amenities available to all our people, the security forces protecting our citizens and justice that is delivered swift, sure and severe.

Jah Imanja
6/6/2010

And the reason for this reporting being? Are we trying to canonize Dudus? May as well build a statue in Heroes Park and have a state funeral for him when he dies.

Christian Anthony
6/6/2010

Ladies and gentlemen... Tino Geddes, once again validating the timeless maxim that there is no fool like an old fool.

John Small
6/6/2010

What a whole heap of PR. If Tivoli gardens defended Dudus because of what he gave them is it reasonable to believe that the same holds true for his other defenders? Because in m view, a man that could bring Jamaica do its knees in criminal mayhem is not good to everyone.

nigel bryan
6/6/2010

if dudus was such a criminal y 2 weeks ago he was free like any law abiding citizen

Norma Sparkes
6/6/2010

and this is the man they are hunting? Not even in Beverly Hills you can leave your door open or car open and our governement went after this man in such a manner. Because he is wanted by American, the press find this man guilty before he was tried and he was never wanted for any crimes in Jamaica. People open your eyes, this man knows alot and can take alot of important people down. Killing him will not stop the corruption in Jamaica. It will only cover it up.

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A close-up view of 'Dudus'