Human shields in Tivoli

'Dudus' supporters fire first volley in show of defiance

Thursday, May 20, 2010

IN a day of high tension in West Kingston, thugs held residents of Tivoli Gardens, the power base of strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, as potential human shields and mounted deadly barricades to keep security forces at bay.

Their rear guard action came as Government officers signed the arrest warrant for Coke, and 48 hours after Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced he would let the courts decide on the United States extradition request for the man alleged to be among the most lethal drug and arms traffickers.

Near nightfall, the Jamaican authorities responded by summoning the Army Reserves, a clear sign that it was taking seriously the manoeuvres in Tivoli Gardens, ironically in the prime minister's Jamaica Labour Party constituency.

Questions about whether Coke was in the famous enclave went unanswered, but some of his supporters were clearly not taking any chances. Police said the thugs confiscated cellphones from law-abiding residents and prevented them from leaving the community.

Cooking gas cylinders were placed in the barricades around the community, while barbed wires were thrown on high voltage Jamaica Public Service electrical wires and attached to metal objects in the rubble, as they vowed not to allow the security forces to enter the community.

The education ministry took pre-emptive action by shifting the vital CSEC and CAPE examination centres from schools in West Kingston, but it was uncertain how students from homes in Tivoli would leave the community to sit exams.

Some defiant residents of Tivoli, meanwhile, called on the authorities to leave Coke alone.

"Leave Dudus alone, a him send our children to school, him no break no law, a lie dem a tell pon him," screamed one woman.

"Dudus is next to God, leave him alone," shouted another.

A highly-placed Observer source said last night that Coke's four children were sent out of Tivoli, raising concerns among other residents who were penned in as to their own fate.

The thugs, some said to be heavily armed, began mounting roadblocks around Tivoli and sections of neighbouring Denham Town since Monday night.

Yesterday, the police reported that one of its armoured personnel carriers was shot up while travelling in the Denham Town area.

A police source said the lawmen attempted to clear a roadblock in the vicinity of the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) when they came under gunfire.

Meanwhile, police sought to reassure law-abiding residents that they need not fear the presence of the security forces in Tivoli, which has a history of tragic run-ins with the law, including one incident in which 27 persons, among them four policemen, were killed.

"The police are also appealing to these residents to report any acts of criminality and are assuring these citizens that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security forces as we intend to conduct our operations in a professional manner, in accordance with the law, and in the interest of all concerned," said an afternoon statement from the Police High Command.

The police, as expected, declined to say how they intended to serve the arrest warrant on Coke.

"We have and will be executing the warrant. We won't tell you or anybody else what are the options we are foreseeing, but certainly they will be strategic and deliberate," said Deputy Commissioner Glenmore Hinds, the officer in charge of operations.

Asked if Coke was in the Tivoli Gardens community, Hinds responded: "Certainly you do not want me to tell you what I know and what I don't know. Now is not the time when we can be free and open to the media."

And while Jamaicans went about their business in downtown Kingston yesterday, storeowners and vendors were taking all the necessary caution.

"...A don't even know what to say, we just have to keep watching," said a storeowner who operates on Orange Street. Vendors were seen whispering among themselves, but declined to comment.

In East Kingston, thugs threatened to firebomb the police post in Mountain View. However, it was not clear if it was linked to the Dudus extradition issue.

The request for the extradition of Coke was submitted last August, but the Jamaican Government delayed acting on it, arguing that the evidence presented by the Americans was gathered in breach of Jamaican law.

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COMMENTS (31)

mike willy
5/20/2010

The mentality of most of the inner city community is that if you make that eat food and send their children to school you are next to God, no matter of where the money from.
This kind of attitude breeds crime and violence and must be wiped out by whatever means.

dev march
5/20/2010

SAD SAD SAD,
If the people in Tivoli love this, why worry. The "President" sent his children so that they would not be harmed. So what about the other people's children. They don't matter. Well if they dont want to wake up and see that his children does not equal their children it is sad.
Now there cannot be two rulers in one country. How did he have USA children if he never travelded to USA.
If there is no respect for the police etc. Tivoli has its own legal system, how can he use the court system to defend himself. It seems that there is a community with its own government, so why come to the real government now that there is about to be a show down. This shows the world what Jamaica is all about.
The higher monkey climb the more him expose himself.
Jamiaca you have shown the world that the police, soldiers, government is not in charge of the country much less Tivoli. This guy is rich and powerful with a borough all for himself.

Tricia Brown
5/20/2010

@Josh Davis u r a liar because she live in TG so I don't know where this phantom baby mama comes from. I also want to make it clear that people cell phones are not being confiscated. Just a little tad bit of info for you writers the homes are purchased WE ARE NOT SQUATTERS. There are Teachers, College Students, Nurses which I'm proud to say I'm one who resides there. People who live in glass house don't throw stones and always remember we are all human beings. We may have different political Affiliations but bottom line there are hardworking people in every garrison. Most folks commenting have never ever come to or near our community so who are you to judge us leave all judgments to the Lord. Most of these comments are so politically motivated but just remember that members of my community could have been your mom, dad, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins so have an open mind when describing or analyzing the situation. Have a blessed day.

KING DAVID
5/20/2010

Here goes another Fool! ricardo johnson...even his name he wrote in lower case letters! I guess you are from a dunce clasn? or maybe your'e WHITE masking as an ediot. maybe you work for a foreign agency?? Comfortable where you are , right? Think Jamaican are a reflection of who you are? Please find the nearest Library and spend quality time there, before writing utter nonsense..

John John
5/20/2010

DISMANTLE THIS CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION ONCE AND FOR ALL.
Jamaicans should be under no illusions.
dudus feeds allot more people than the inner city poor people you see erecting barricades and carrying guns
There are people out there that are willing to cut dudus loose but already have someone in mind to take his place.
Who are some of the POSSIBLE beneficiaries from dudus organization?
- BIG Politicians
- local politicians
- BIG Police Commissioners
- regular street police
- Big business men
- small time hustlers
I could go on and on and on.
There are a WHOLE heap of people with vested interest in the dudus criminal organization.
In other words, once dudus goes, the squeezing must not be slowed, but ratcheted up to SMASH it once and for all.
It is no coincidence that dudus was able to get bruce and other big politicians to fight the U.S. over his extradition.
There is no blood relationship between the two.
So what is the connection? $$$$$$$$

paul bogle
5/20/2010

I think this is a strategic move by bruce golden . This should have been done in secrecy . The prime minister should not have publisized the signing of the extradition request . This put the jamaican public on edge. He shifted the focus from the call of his resignation to the apprehension of mr christopher coke , very poor judgement .

Richard Edwards
5/20/2010

Clovis cartoon paints a pciture of the grim reality of the situation in Jamaica. Reneto Adams told us the same thing earlier this week. When you mount blockades like the kind mounted in Tivoli and the security forces do not move in to dismantle them, you a sending a clear message to the folks in Tivoli that you cannot enforce the laws of the land and that they can continue to flout the law with impunity. Nowhere else in a civilized world would this be allowed to happen, but this is the Jamaica that these worthless, shameless politicans have created in Jamaica, this is why I have so much contempt for them, and I mean on both sides. They have destroyed a beautiful country and have only acted in their own self interest over the many years.
Richard Edwards NYC
betterlifeforjamaicans@yahoo.com

David Armstrong
5/20/2010

This talk about civil war and blood bath in Jamaica over the Dudus affair is just pure nonsense. A civil war requires a charismatic leader who can mobilize grass roots support to sacrifice their life for an ideological, social or political cause. History shows us that countries that experienced civil wars had leaders who were not only charismatic but were military strategist and were not cowards. Dudus does not fit the bill as such a leader. He is just a common thug who controls other thugs and undereducated people like himself. Sure there may be some bloodshed by these thugs who are accustom to killing even when there is no social disturbance. If Dudus had any sense he could take advantage of this opportunity to redeem himself and make himself a better person by giving himself up. He could do this by going on TV or radio and also make an appeal to his followers to be calm. Surely, he must realize that his life will not be the same and he will not be allowed to have any more connections to politicians under the existing conditions. I don’t think Dudus is smart enough and courageous enough to do any of the things that I am suggesting here. For all I know he is probably under some rock hiding.

al bundee
5/20/2010

Some of you guys will never understand the severity of this unless you've lived it. That woman could be absolutely
right about Dudus, he could just as well be responsible for feeding her and sending her child to school. You have
to understand that in these communities, these "thugs" are like a blessing and curse. While they commit their atrocities,
they are responsible for a sense of security and livelyhood in the community. Without them outside thugs would be free
to enter and do whatever they please. When a severe gunfight takes place, the cops shuts down the entity "to protect and
serve" and heads home. I am from such a community in the downtown area and until you live in such a community you will
not understand the misguided roles being played by both "thugs" and citizens alike. It is a shame that you cant feel
secured by your own government and the basic needs for survival as a normal citizen cannot be provided. The fruits of
biased and corrupt governing is now being reaped

Doreen Harvey
5/20/2010

Garrison always use women and children as shield . They have done an unlawful act by blocking the roads and anywhere else the Mayor would have gone with Police etc to clear the block. How come he's so silent on this issue, isn't he the Local Govt rep for Tivoli. He and the PM should be out there front and center demanding that the roads be cleared and people be allowed to go about their business. If the police goes in and they get killed or hurt , it would have been their fault as they put themselves out to defend a man who is clearly ensuring that his family is safe. Bruce you will have to apologise again to the people of JA for putting their lives at risk in your bid to save face. You should have signed the warrant, arrest the man and when he is in custody then you talk. I can give you no kudos for cripling my country with fear.

Sav-Man Savage
5/20/2010

Tell you where Dudus is! Inna Seaga's basement in Cherry Gardens!!!

carl stephens
5/20/2010

Police also confirmed that there was heavy gunfire in the early afternoon in the Hannah Town area, just behind the KPH. Groups of masked men armed with high-powered weapons were reportedly seen walking along the roadway early yesterday.A police source said the lawmen attempted to clear a roadblock in the vicinity of the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) when they came under gunfire. "The police are also appealing to these residents to report any acts of criminality and are assuring these citizens that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security forces as we intend to conduct our operations in a professional manner". REPORT ACT OF CRIMINALITY HA HA HA These police are clueless do we have to report to the police that those guys walking around and shooting at them are committing a criminal act? OH by the way chances are they probably don't have a pirmit to carry those weapons are discharge them in a public place Ha Ha Haa can someone please report it ....

Rowe Bryan
5/20/2010

It's so sad. I guarantee that if COKE told this or any other woman he wants her 15 or 16 year old daughter she would have to comply!! WOW!! What an off spring LICKI LICKI produce.

tickyticky fish
5/20/2010

@ josh davis Yuh already know dat there are multiple visas, suh yuh neva hear bout multiple identities and multiple passports suh tink bout dat.

Hotta Fire
5/20/2010

Murderer blood is on you shoulder kill i today u caan kill i 2morro, murda u inside mussi hollow, what does it gain to take the life of another, you can hide from man but not u conscience. U nyam the bread of sorrow and drink the wine of violence.

Yard Brit
5/20/2010

Ex-JDF member. One reader mention not use Renito Adams approach, how else do we deal criminal element/organisation of this magnitude? Please let me know. or do we deal with this the same way we dealt with his father? (Very Questionable)

Paul Lewis
5/20/2010

It is still imperative that Bruce Golding resigns, nothing has changed...he is still a disgrace who has aided and abetted criminals and a habitual liar. Jamaica can accept his apology, but they should not relent in their demand for his resignation. In a scant two and a half years, he has allowed the stench of Jamaican politics to permeate to every crevice throughout the world. Himself and his Mickey Mouse Government, has suddenly become the focus of unwanted attention by the world-wide media....so much for wasting dollars advertising Jamaica....when these bunch of hacks are doing everything to ruin what little respect the Brand Jamaica still holds.

ricardo johnson
5/20/2010

two points i want to make here:
1) how people can not find work and so much garbage deh a jamaica fi clean up?
2) Why doesn't the government give rich educated people an incentive to outbreed the poor uneducated ones? As radical as it may sound, thats the easiest long term solution for all of jamaica's ills.

Vasta Man
5/20/2010

Dudus should post his Views on You-Tube! Yea man just like Bin Laden. Can you imagine how many hits he would receive? He should present his case and show himself in a light which will make the World understand what he is all about. Most Governments are far more damn corrupted than Dudus anyway and they're aloud to lie everyday on the News. No matter what people might say 'Dudus' the Brand-name is getting some massive hits on the Internet and he should use this to get his point across before the System which once profited from his "Day / Night Job" Finish him off in a "Shower" of Bullets or ship him off to United Snakes/ States of America. Least us forget this is all Gods works and he should explain to the world why TG and poor Jamaican people generally support him. Just my views and i am totally glued.

Nicolas Henry
5/20/2010

Most Jamaicans have this mentality. Do more of the same & sit and wait for a deifferent result. It doesn't matter who created TIVOLI, TRENCH TOWN, HANNAH TOWN OR ANY GARRISON. What we should demand is the dismatling of all high crime areas eg, garrisons. There are many that will say, the people that live in those areas are victims of circumstances and are mostly lawabbiding. Readers if you find yourself in situation that you don't want to be in, how do you get out. Ask yourself. Why then the people of circumstances are the ones having the most kids in Jamaica. Do you think they want to stop the cycle of poverty?. There was a report in the OBSERVER, stating that a third of the population are squatters. Even if caused by politicians, why do the people continue by having many kids? Don't you think they like their situation. Some will say the people are mostly lawabbiding. How can you be lawabbiding when you hug up gunmen,cover for them & accept their loot to send you kids to school?

Devon Vapp
5/20/2010

Is a civil war looming in Jamaica? War is war and in war there are always casualties. Are we prepared for another blood letting in West Kingston? Is it worth it? Since these lawyers can be filing affidavits for this man, why cant they bring him in to the police and eliminate the possible bloodshed. There is nothing that says the affidavits cannot be filed once the man is in custody.

james bond
5/20/2010

Dudus children should not be allowed to leave, we have to kill the breed. The Coke family operates as if they are royalty in Tivoli handing down power to siblings; Jim Brown> Jah T> Dudus and when Dudus go it will be Livity. No more of this bad breed family the GOJ need to root out the breed.
The residents of Tivoli are terrorist and Edward Sega should be brought to justice he has aided and abetted these criminals over the years ever since he became MP for West Kingston, these people believes they are untouchables .
This community need to be demolished as a matter of urgency and high priority. We need the capital for commerce and tourist attraction.
In all of this Bruce Golding should resign, he has compromise security by giving disclousure of sensitive security operation. The Prime Minister has demonstrated that his decision and judgements are very poor in many ways since he has been in office.
i will highlight a few: the appointment of Vaz, Robertson, the whole Dudus saga.

Cathian Dennis
5/20/2010

It appears that for the sake of image (damage control) Bruce Golding has for the time being disassociated himself from Tivoli Gardens. Now is not the time to be strategizing “damage control” Prime Minister. Now is the time to do everything in your power to ensure that calm and order are maintained in Tivoli and around the island. The people of your constituency listen to you and it is your moral obligation to address them and the nation to have them cooperate with the wardens of the state at this time.

george lewis
5/20/2010

why dont the "law abiding dear leader" dudus come out of hiding and put out this fire that is about to burn the nation,my guess is he is not much of a man,it shows he is what many thought he is.

josh davis
5/20/2010

Christopher dudus coke is father to two children born in the usa,their mom left jamaica when she was in first form in high school,she as never returned .
How did she get pregnant ?

george watson
5/20/2010

Probably Anancy Bedward could advise the security forces as to how to go about this, or better yet he/she could accompany them and direct the operations, instead of sitting on the verandah while this is going down and "innocent" lives are on the line.
Since the President cares so much about his people of Tivoli, don't he think all of this could be avoided if he simply gave himself up, or are they spoiling for a fight?
Ananacy Bedward, it cannot be on the terms of the citizens of Tivioli Gardens. As you rightly say, "the state must decisively show who is boss."

Anthony II
5/20/2010

Re: "A highly-placed Observer source said last night that Coke's four children were sent out of Tivoli..."
.
Needs little commentary, except to hope that all those other innocent children who did not "sign on" to this will be thought of.

george watson
5/20/2010

Yesterday I wrote a post which unsurprisingly was not published. In it I asked whether Mr. Seaga did not think he was responsible for creating this monster called Tivoli and whether as an elder statesman he was proud of it. Do people really think that there is a vendetta against Tivoli? A man is wanted by the authorities, why can’t they be allowed like any other community be allowed to enter and arrest him? Where else in any part of Jamaica or the world for that matter would that be allowed to take place?
People offer themselves as human shields for their “god,” and when they are injured or killed then the entire society comes down on the authorities as brutal and killers. Who is to tell what might happen if the security forces try to enter? Could there be some bombs in those barricades? Do these members of the security forces have mothers and fathers as well? Can Jamaica for Justice offer some advice on how the operation should be effected, or better yet, could some members of Jamaica for Justice accompany the security forces if they enter. Will the security forces have to get the permission of the prime minister to enter?
Probably the authorities should not enter and President Dudus be allowed to stay. But don’t we all know that he is not in there anyway.
So many thoughts come to my mind today. “Tivoli is the mother of all garrisons,” and “Jamaica will live to regret this day.”
What wont some people do for POWER, and look how fleeting it is.

Anancy Bedward
5/20/2010

I only hope that if the military and police decide to go in they do not use the "Adams" way leading to the loss of innocent lives as in 2001. The state must decisively show who is boss.
.

Jay Brown
5/20/2010

//A highly-placed Observer source said last night that Coke's four children were sent out of Tivoli, raising concerns among other residents who were penned in as to their own fate//
Idiots look whats going on here, who do you think he really cares about have left, and these morons are left against there will yet they say " Leave im alone, a im mek we eat a food and send wi pickney go school"
This is what Jamaicans in these place have come to, " mek dem eat a food and they will kii\ll for you". Not only that , it does not matter what you do to make dem eat a food.
Garrisons must go Tivioli must GO!!! I have had it.

John Small
5/20/2010

This seems to be the moment where a stand has to be taken against criminality.
It's funny that it took the Americans and their stubborn attitude toward law enforcement to force Jamaica to swallow this pill.
If the state capitulates to thugs, the ministers might as well vacate parliament.
What use the booby-trapping with live wires when power to the area can be cut?
What use is blocking roads when there are helicopters available?
The only thing I'm concerned about is the innocent people who happen to live in Tivoli Gardens.
But if all the gunment feel their power and collect to be wiped out, I won't be shedding a tear.

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Human shields in Tivoli