‘Dudus’ worried about public perception of him, says Miller

BY INGRID BROWN Observer senior reporter browni@jamaicaobserver.com

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

REVEREND Al Miller says Christopher 'Dudus' Coke maintains he is misunderstood by those who failed to see the many initiatives implemented by him in West Kingston to make the crime rate in that police division the lowest.

Miller, who last met with Coke — now a fugitive — two days before the security forces took control of his Tivoli Gardens stronghold, said Coke spoke openly about, among other things, the role he played in helping the elderly and providing a start to many youth who would otherwise have turned to a life of crime.

Miller said Coke spoke of the perception that the public had of him which caused them to view him differently from who he really is.

"He voiced his concern that his side of the story was not being told," Miller told the Observer on Monday.

Miller said Coke insisted that were it not for his input, violence would be a constant feature of Downtown Kingston. Instead, he said that he tried to do the positives which no one spoke about.

"He felt he took the initiative and called together the men from other communities and encouraged the peace and unity for those areas as well," Miller said.

According to the pastor, Coke not only maintained that crime was the lowest in that police division but he was able to quote exact statistics.

Coke attributed this to his influence in West Kingston.

"He asked why people thought he is trying to create mayhem and war when he has done everything to ensure peace," Miller told the Observer in an interview Monday night.

Coke, Miller said, also spoke of encouraging other communities to examine the development model being used for Tivoli Gardens where many persons were encouraged to start their own small businesses and to stay away from crime and violence.

"He said he tried to get into the heads of youths the need to develop themselves and work and to cease from their violent ways," said Miller, adding that Coke also spoke of helping the elderly, organising after-school programmes within West Kingston while insisting that young children must attend school and be off the streets by a certain time nightly.

According to Miller, he took the initiative to visit Coke in his Presidential Click office in Tivoli Gardens on Wednesday, May 19 and Saturday, May 22, to arrive at a peaceful solution to the stand-off between the community and the security forces.

Residents and gunmen loyal to Coke had barricaded the community in an effort to prevent the police from executing an arrest warrant on Coke who is wanted by the US Government on drug- and arms-trafficking charges.

On Thursday, May 20, hundreds of Tivoli residents, mostly women, staged a peaceful street protest and march in support of Coke, urging the authorities to leave him alone.

As the head of the National Transformation Programme (NTP), which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, Miller maintained he did not go in there wearing that hat and neither was he sent.

"I decided I would take the bull by the horns and so I just went there by myself," he said.

While not outlining how he made contact with Coke, Miller said he had met with him for several hours in January as the NTP and Peace Management Initiative (PMI) teams journeyed around Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine and sections of Montego Bay to meet with area leaders and dons to bring the message of a fresh start for Jamaica.

As such, Miller said he did his homework and made connection with Coke.

When he arrived at Tivoli he was immediately granted access to the community and taken to Coke.

Anxiety, he explained, was evident among some residents, fearful that

the police would be barging in with brute force.

Miller said he questioned Coke and those around him on the reasons for the barricades and was told they were mounted because of fear of excessive force from the security forces.

On that day, Miller said there was no talk by anyone of leaving Tivoli, as although there was a stillness to the perimeters of the community, life was abuzz beyond the barricades.

Adults, he said, went to and from work.

The pastor said he and Coke spoke for close to three hours.

"He was very open and he talked about the situation, his concerns and what were his options," Miller said.

"He asked why he should be treated any differently from another citizen as the police would not come with such brute force for somebody else," Miller told the Observer.

Miller said Coke's big issue was the approach of the security forces as he repeatedly voiced concerns about the manner in which they would carry out their duties.

The pastor said that although Coke contemplated the idea of turning himself in, he expressed grave reservations about being extradited to the United States.

"He did not like that option because of its implication," Miller said. He, however, declined to disclose to the Observer what were some of the reservations Coke had.

"He had some reasons which I understood and appreciated but he was prepared to go through the Jamaican court system," Miller recalled.

But Coke did not want to be held in custody as he feared a similar fate to that of his father, who was burnt to death in his cell at the then General Penitentiary, shortly before he was to be extradited to the US.

"That memory was very strong in his mind," Miller said. "So we talked about how to allay that fear and to build his confidence in the system which I told him was different from what it was then."

But Miller said while Coke was contemplating his options for surrender from as early as Wednesday (May 19) Coke wanted more time to be better briefed on the court process by his lawyers and to explore the best option.

When the talks ended on Wednesday, Miller said Coke promised to think about the option of turning himself in. "He gave me his word that he would think about it," Miller said.

The pastor said he informed Coke that if he was serious about turning himself in, he would speak with the police high command, which he later did.

Miller said he later spoke with Coke via telephone, and informed him that the police, too, were interested in an amicable solution and an arrangement was made for the talks to continue on Saturday, May 22.

On Saturday when he returned to Tivoli Gardens, Miller said there was a visible tension hovering throughout the community, although life appeared normal beyond the barricades.

"There was still no restriction of movement as people went to work," Miller said.

Asked if there was an unusually high number of men seen in the community then, Miller said there was nothing unusual about those he saw.

Coke was said to be maintaining his same "cool" composure.

Miller said he informed him then that the police were not interested in using brute force but needed an early resolution to the situation.

But, according to Miller, the "media hype", as he described it, was only heightening the tension and resulted in even greater reinforcement of the barricades.

"I told him that it didn't look good to be increasing the barricade when we are talking to the police, that the matter could soon be resolved and he agreed but the fear was there because of what the media was saying," Miller said.

"Imagine at that time the media begins to recount how his father died and that

was killing the dialogue," Miller said.

"Here I was telling him the police were not going to barge in but they are hearing all these things through the media and so I told him to trust the word of the police," he said.

At the end of Saturday's meeting, Miller said he and Coke reached an agreement to remove the barricades on Labour Day. Coke also arranged to speak with his lawyers in Tuesday to get their views on the options proposed by Miller, and which he would not disclose and for the final decision to be made on Wednesday.

Miller said he communicated this to the police high command and the decision was taken then to hold off entering Tivoli Gardens.

"He spoke with his lawyers after I left and we were making excellent strides," he said.

On Sunday when thugs launched an attack against the security forces, Miller said he still maintained a dialogue with Coke who was disappointed about the turn of events.

As the mayhem intensified into Monday, Miller again contacted Coke.

"I was told (by him) to come now and deal with it and I was heading there when my intelligence indicated the security forces operation had begun," he said.

Unable to locate the relevant police authority to inform them that he was going in, Miller said he was forced to abandon the mission.

Miller said he is still willing to help Coke surrender to the police. "I understand the fear, but I would appeal to him to go in to the police and allow the courts to deal with the matter," Miller said.

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COMMENTS (32)

ja wd65
6/2/2010

Mr Miller, Why don't 'Dudus' tell you about the bad stuff he has done? 'Dudus' is a bad guy no matter how you cut it or what he says. Everyone in Jamaica fears him and that is how is able to do some of the so called good things he claims he was doing. I know you might be relaying a message but I am curious what message is that? Which side are you on?. Evil must pay sooner or later. Enough said......

Gee Whiz
6/2/2010

Well said, Alvin L., San Patrek & Maude Cooper. The issue is the issue.

LLOYD BLAIR
6/2/2010

I would love to know of these initiatives that were implemented. Who were the ones enforcing the law there? How about the business places, what did they have to do to maintain their business? Please, we all know the answers.
Worried about perception? He should be a real hero and turn himself in.
And some of those nyami nyami and licky licky ones from TG need to shut up and stop embarassing themselves

Jahmeka Jersey
6/2/2010

Miller should be locked up for aiding and abetting Dudus. He clearly knew where he was and provided no information to the police. Of course Dudus would encourage "entrepeneurship" among the youth - the more businesses for him to extort. It's a shame the people of Tivoli don't see Dudus for what he is - the man who "protects" them is only protecting them from HIM!

Jade July
6/2/2010

I have no perception all I know is that over the last few yearsI can walk and shop freely Downtown without fear of being robbed or shot. One could go Downtown any hours day or night and I felt safe my car was not broken into or stolen as was the case like about 10 years ago. However if he wants his side to be told he needs to come forward to the police and grant an exclusive to the Observer

mike willy
6/2/2010

One of the good thing I know Mr Coke did was to get gunmen,criminals, gang leaders and gang members from all over the island to a central location to be killed or detained. That in my opinion was a good move.

Rovert Sirrah
6/2/2010

I dont trust Al Miller. Dudus can always" beat his chest " and speak of his good deeds . Who gave him the authority to be an enforcer . Was it his friend Bruce ?Mr Coke is no saint his activities are well chronicled so its no use coming with his holier than thou penitence and Miller we all know who you are so we would not expect you to elicit anything else from Coke but positives.Miller , not even you can repair his image and the perception we have of Dudus.

John Smith
6/2/2010

This article reads like a case of schizophrenia. We've been having a wanton display of these psychological problems of late. So he keeps 'crime' rates low in the area? Is extortion not crime? What about extortion, robbery and murder in other areas? Over 40 guns found so far? Were they legal? Who was paying criminals 100k a day to unleash havoc? Just goes to show the sense of isolation and entitlement that had taken over Tivoli residents. Amusing...

Thinking Man
6/2/2010

What is reported here indicates how manipulative persons can be. This individual is cut from the same cloth as those politicians that have for years given the people scarce benefits and shown them this mirage of peace. Jamaica, including Tivoli, needs to say no to this kind of lifestyle!!

Yard Vibz
6/2/2010

This is a very in-depth piece, Ms. Brown. It’s interesting to note that Dudus had such influence over his crew and yet he was unable to maintain the peace during last week's out-of-season hurricane. I truly believe that he had underestimated the capability of the JDF, and as a result, he was ill-prepared for the confrontation. He bragged to Miller about assisting the indigents and encouraging youth to stay in school, but he had made no mention of his off-camera antics that are being questioned.

otis grant
6/2/2010

the media is at the root of a lot of the ills in this country. if it werent for al miller would the other side of the dudus story ever come out? dont take my word for it though,hers an example. listen to dionne jackson miller on the RJR program beyond the headlines doing an interview with someone like peter phillips or omar davies and then listen to her talking to a desmond mckenzie or robert montaque. big difference but the question is why.

anguish of being
6/2/2010

Attention seeker.

Leopold McPherson
6/2/2010

Oh how the mighty has fallen.....fearing to suffer the same fate as his dad. Go face your music ,your victims were given this opportunity you germs.

Leopold McPherson
6/2/2010

Mr Miller the more you open your big mouth and try to explain away this thug's misdeed the more I am starting to think that you are no different than him. Who cares about what this germ is thinking. He talks about what he has done fo rthe community...where does get his money, did you ask him that? Miller you make me wanna puke, please shut your damn mouth you idiot.

Vashti Watson
6/2/2010

Rev, you are talking hog-wash both you and Coke, if he is doing and has done so much good, why is he afraid of proving he is innocent for what he is accused of?
I tell you why, this man create mayhem in other places and bring the spoil home, that is how he does things.
Provide youths with what!!!!!!! provide them with the training to reek havoc in other communities, you guys just sit down and soak up BS from the likes of this man but a lot of people has warned and this is just the smoke.

Norman Lee
6/2/2010

Strangely, not a word about the allegations which is the basis of the extradition request by the US. Did Miller ask about the methods used to keep the crime rate low?
It seems clear that Dudus still believes he and his cronies have a right to "run" Tivoli as a fifedom and be treated with kid gloves above the laws of Jamaica and its Treaty.
Dudus should rest assured that Jamaica still regard him as the don and president of Tivoli and head of the shower posse and his legacy is already indelible in Jamaica’s history.

Nick Baylis
6/2/2010

Reverend Miller, during your long discussions with Mr. Coke, did he comment on the Southern District court of New York’s’ ‘perception’ of his Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Cocaine and to illegally trade in fire arms?? What did he have to say about that???

cape cod
6/2/2010

Hey Rev. are sure your not a Politician sounds like one to me

Maude Cooper
6/2/2010

Well, Mr. Dudus please turn yourself in to the US government, and there you should be able to convince them of the good, uplifting and honourable citizen you really are, because they would have no proof to the contrary…He used the people of TG and he is now using the pastors.

Chuck Emanuel
6/2/2010

Why don't these responsible Ministers go visit the Families and dependents of the over 15,000 Jamaicans who were murdered by narco-terrorists, extortionists, contract killers, rapists, murderers, criminals and kidnappers over the past 10 years ?.
Are these families and dependents getting aid and comfort also ?.

Maude Cooper
6/2/2010

Seems to me like, these pastors have become mouth pieces for the wanted man. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the un-Godly”. Too many Martin Luther King and Al Sharpton wanna bees, but those men walk the walk so they earn the right to talk the talk. They were not fighting criminal rights; they were fighting for the mere existence of black people and their justifiable civil rights. A person has no control over the colour of his skin, but a criminal has control over the life he chose to lead. Peace makers? Naw. Wasn’t a pastor killed about 2 weeks ago because he took part in a peace march? An example of how the criminal mind works.

JA Cynic
6/2/2010

This is the making of a new television series: Two Pastors And a Don.
Somehow it is becoming hard to avoid the thought that, if this continues, we could be witnessing the canonisation of Dudus.
Arise St. Christopher of Tivoli.
JA Cynic

Raul Grant
6/2/2010

Unfortunate that Rev Miller seems to feel that he is doing a great deed with this negotiation stuff. I am not sure what happened in Tivoli during the 'invasion' but that community needed to be taken under Jamaican control-no doubt about that.
If Dudus has brought illegal guns in this country, I do not care how many elderly people he has fed, he is a low life form, not worthy of the credence being given to him with these visits.
I expect nothing less from Rev Miller however.

Better Must-Come
6/2/2010

Jamaica, my dear friend is NOT on the way to become a failed State. IT IS a failed State. All our so called leaders (politicians, "elite" class and now pastors) are very much a part of the corrupt system that "governs" the country. The situation in the House of Representatives yesterday was insulting, barbaric, crass, dumb, shameful (you fill in the blanks). We have too many unsavory characters posing as leaders. I now understand why some call for the US to intervene militarily.

San Patrek
6/2/2010

A lot of rubbish Rev Miller. You are indeed a part of all that is wrong and distasteful in our society Rev Miller. You fail to appreciate the extent of extortion and racketeering in the city. The murder and mayhem visited upon countless families by men such as dudus and those loyal to him. At whose expense was TG a secure place. TG is not immune from Jamaica, so it doesn't fall to dudus to ensure peace in TG. His ideology is misplaced. Let the duly consitutional security forces do their job.

Paul Shaw
6/2/2010

I remain skeptical on anything Al Miller says. Seemingly always looking to score some media points, is a bit predatorial in my opinion.

bill fountain
6/2/2010

the police won't stop fighting until they have found coke i think.
they'll have to kill him, because he's a risk for the government. he could reveal the corruption which is a part of the system!
that's why they don't let the media check out the situation properly.
if i was him, i'd flee to the UK, where he'd be saver than in the states or in JA.
he's too much of a risk for the government i think!

Alvin L.
6/2/2010

All of this is a sham! It seems he is trying his best to make himself look good in the eyes of the public. He still have not addressed the issues of drug shipments , gun running for which he has been indicted in the U.S.
Tivoli has been a black eye on Jamaica for years but we now are bombardded by Eddie and Dudus how safe they have made Tivoli.
That place has always been lawless so we hope it will not be allowed to fall back to business as usual.

Blue Bird
6/2/2010

That is some funny head line. The gentleman has to be a comedian. lol

Jay Brown
6/2/2010

OK Rev go write a book.
On second thoughts I am glad he did not turn himself in as we would never no have had a reason to go in and remove the thugs from TG.
This fragile peace that one speaks much ado about nothing. How can you have true peace when gun toting thugs telling what to do and when to do it.
Telling you as soon as your daughter is 16 yrs old send them to the don, it could not continue any longer.
Sometime you need war in order to achieve true peace and now we have that chance

george watson
6/2/2010

Yes, Mr. Coke provided these things for the people but did the Rev. Al Miller ask him what happened to people who did not toe the line in his fiefdom? What sort of justice what meted out to them and what gave him that right to have a parallel justice system?
People all over the place are now coming out to glorify this man whom the United States regards as a drug and gun runner, and who many of us think is just a cold blooded killer. I heard a man on talk show yesterday defending his right to flee (as against being a coward) saying that General McArthur had done the same thing.
If he wants his side of the story told, give himself up to the U.S. authorities and tell them what he knows.
Nobody elected Mr. Coke as Member of Parliament, so if he had these grandiose ideas for the betterment of “his” people why didn’t he work through his elected representative.
Finally, I know a number of people who work for their communities but who have never been considered crooks by anyone.
People like Rev. Miller had better be careful, lest they seem to be condoning criminality and glorifying criminals.

Ian Grant
6/2/2010

The good reverend should be very careful he doesn't become part of the problem instead of a solution to this pervasive problem. A not so shrewd observer can easily determine that Rev Miller is being manipulated and used as a vehicle for propaganda. No state can abide a parallel jurisdiction. What is being suggested is Tivoli seceding from Jamaica with Dudus as viceroy or emperor (since his powers appear to be absolute).
Is Dudus the loving caregiver? Be careful rev your credibility is at stake.

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‘Dudus’ worried about public perception of him, says Miller