Willing to die for ‘Dudus’

West Kgn residents show strong support for Tivoli don

Friday, May 21, 2010

CHRISTOPHER 'Dudus' Coke's influence on West Kingston was put on show yesterday as hundreds of mostly women from Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town poured into the streets to show support for the man wanted by the US Government, and to vent their anger at a police claim that Tivoli Gardens residents were being held hostage by thugs.

In what appeared to be a highly organised but peaceful protest the demonstrators, the majority of them dressed in white, told the authorities to "leave 'Dudus' alone" with some boldly declaring that they were prepared to die for him.

"No hostage, no hostage, we are free; is lie them telling," shouted the women.

"We are not being held hostage in our community and no one not taking away our phones," said one woman, in reference to a police report Wednesday that thugs were also seizing residents' cell phones.

Under the steely gaze of a large contingent of cops, the demonstrators gathered outside the Denham Town Police Station on Spanish Town Road, waving placards with their messages of support for Coke, whom the US Government has accused of trafficking in guns and drugs.

The Americans had submitted an extradition request for Coke last August, but the Jamaica Government had refused to sign it, arguing that the evidence presented by Washington was gathered in breach of Jamaican law.

The stalemate damaged relations between both countries which is just now being rebuilt after Prime Minister Bruce Golding -- under increasing pressure to resign -- announced in a national broadcast Monday night that his attorney general would sign the request giving the authority for the request to be processed.

But before Golding's broadcast, word of the Government's decision started circulating on the streets, triggering panic in Kingston, the Jamaican capital; and Spanish Town, the old capital, which is plagued by intermittent bouts of gang violence.

On Tuesday, residents of Tivoli Gardens, a community that is fiercely loyal to the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, and which serves as Coke's power base, started mounting blockades at all its entrances, using old motor vehicles, old refrigerators, large tyres, vendors' stalls and other heavy debris.

By Wednesday, the barricades were fortified with more debris, including propane gas cylinders and barbed wires which the police said were attached to Jamaica Public Service high voltage power lines.

The intention, the authorities said, was to keep the security forces out of the community, which has been the scene of deadly gunbattles between gunmen and law enforcers in the past and which, ironically, is in Golding's constituency.

Yesterday, the police, who now have an arrest warrant for Coke, said they had received information that thugs in the community were stocking up on petrol. The cops also said that their surveillance had shown that among the massive arsenal in Tivoli was the powerful 50 calibre Grizzly Big Boar rifle.

The rifle, produced by US company LAR Manufacturing, is described on that entity's website as being as "accurate as they are powerful, and should be a part of any serious collector's arsenal".

"The Grizzly Big Boar is a rifle that leaves its competition in the dust. Its powerful .50 calibre BMG round blows its targets to pieces while its careful design absorbs most of the recoil," the website said.

"The Big Boar was created for accuracy, and the match grade chamber provides unsurpassed accuracy by using a bullet that was designed to shoot straight and far. This single-shot, breech-loading rifle features a bull pup design with all steel construction to provide a solid, dependable firearm," the site said further.

The average cost of the rifle is well over US$2,000.

Last night, a highly placed source said that the US authorities had information that weaponry of every calibre was inside Tivoli and that Coke's 'soldiers' were determined to prevent him being arrested.

Yesterday, the police said they intended to exhaust all peaceful means to arrest Coke and have already written to the attorneys who have been named as being on his defence team.

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, in a message to members of the constabulary, expressed "gratitude and satisfaction with the professional and dignified way" in which they have responded to the Coke extradition issue.

Said Ellington: "Now that it has become an operational matter, a planned approach to its resolution is being pursued by the security forces. The police high command expects members to continue to perform their duties in a professional manner, exercising the requisite vigilance and alertness both on and off duty."

He added that the main effort at executing the arrest warrant will be directed from the high command.

Yesterday, the protesting West Kingston residents sang Coke's praises, saying that he had brought peace and discipline to the constituency and voiced their willingness to lay down their lives in his defence.

"Is over 40 years me live in the community," said one senior citizen. "Dudus is a nice and peaceful person. Because of him, people can walk without fear."

Said one man: "We are prepared to die for 'Dudus'."

Last night, the Presidents' Council -- a grouping of the heads of private sector organisations -- expressed grave concern for the welfare and safety of the residents of Tivoli Gardens and adjoining communities and called on the prime minister to add his voice to defuse the potentially explosive situation.

"The barricades must be removed so that law and order may be restored and the citizens may move about freely," said the council.

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COMMENTS (23)

5/22/2010

Listen nobody here in Jamaica is
Not a suicide

Richie L
5/21/2010

There are two issues here.
.
1. The presence of large arsenal in Tivoli and other areas of Jamaica is untenable. Whatever we do, we have to get rid of these weapons. No civilized society can survive with so many weapons in the hand of citizenry. Only the authorities should have these weapons.
.
2. The second issue is this Robin Hood mentality that pervades Jamaica. These people are backing an alleged criminal because he "protects and provides" for them. This is showing major failure on the part of the government. There is inadequate security and opportunities for the people in Tivoli and other areas.
.
I am not here to place blame now. I am more interested in looking at what we now have. I am afraid that Dudus will be taken into custody, then collectively we, as a people, will forget the two issues I highlighted. If we did that then we really wouldn't have solved the problem.
.
For Jamaica to move ahead, we need to remove the guns and provide more jobs.
.
Richie

Stephanie Chapowski
5/21/2010

Notice nobody protested the claim of the weaponry. Where are the shouts of "Lie dem a tell. We nuh have no rifle dung ya" ?? So what if they display a few cell phones? Doesn't negate the claim that the were siezed. They probably weren't even working devices. Everyone wearing white? Such an orchestrated & organized show of support. Where were the men? I smell a rat! Anyone who knows about garrison culture can tell you that protest action is a necessary part of life. Whether you like it or not, if you live in these areas & an unfavourable action takes place in the community (killing of a gunman, harassment of residents, etc.) you had better demonstrate or else... Word of advice to the security forces: keep your mouth shut about operational procedures. Carry out the job you have been tasked to and bring the gangster to justice. Next, go after the orange party's strongholds. Cripple them all!

John Curious Public
5/21/2010

The power of education....or the lack thereof.
Never thought i would see this day.........Amazing and sad!!

David Armstrong
5/21/2010

This kind of demonstration can only happen in a society where people have no respect for the law. In a society where law and order is respected people do not go out in the streets and show their support for a person who is allegedly involved in criminal activities. These types of demonstration occur simple because dons are treated as folk heroes, called community leaders and are beholden to politicians. This is how Tom Tavares-Finson, Dudus former lawyer who is also a senator representing the governing party, describes Dudus: “He is a father, legitimate businessman and community leader, not a hardened gang leader.” Other high level politicans also use the term community leader to desribe dons who operate in the garrison constituencies as if it gives the dons some kind of ligitimacy. Is it a surprise then that we see these types of demonstrations? The police should not allow these types of demonstration to occur.

justice justice
5/21/2010

I don't think Dudus is in Tivoli. He is hiding in Jamaica House with Bruce. These people are slaves to Dudus so disregard their actions & things said. They had to say & do as told. Majority of Tivoli want a better life but cant say it because of fear.

John Smith
5/21/2010

Stupidity and incompetence just keep playing themselves out in this whole mess. Clearly these idiots will be acting as human shields. I really hope them tek down every single one of the fool dem who have di gun. I'm tempted to think that they're all criminals, because they must know about who has the guns. They're all aiding and abetting. They should all be arrested. Everyone is calling on the PM/MP (Two Face Harvey) to add his voice - just like Portia Simpson-Miller yesterday. Anyone want to talk about the private sector leaders - many of whom view the JLP with favour - as playing politics? That said, remember what happened with Zeeks. He's now in jail. One by one it shall be done (keep in mind this was done during the tenure of the PNP in government).

Nicolas Henry
5/21/2010

Still some special treatment here. Why are they allowed to protest without a permit, when the people that wanted to gather to protest the GCT increase in Cross Roads weren't allowed to do so without a permit. Readers don't say I'm green glass or red glass, I'm only being objective. I have no ties to JLP or PNP. I left JA at a tender age. What I think should happen is, arrest anyone that accepted any form of support from DUDUS. They should all be charged for accepting supected stolen loot. This is my opinion formed from reading the papers, my visits to jamaica & talking to older Jamaicans including my parents is, Jamaica is just one step away from being beyond redemption. I love Jamaica dearly, since becoming a adult. If the Jamaicans living there keep being selfish with their "man ahfi eat a food attitude" then the whole cycle will continue and the gunmen or the police will eventually "eat your food".

Brad Kerr
5/21/2010

There is a lot of talk about dying for Presi, but I wonder if these people realize the hell they are about to face. Prime Minister must educate these people , his constituents that if Tivoli is assaulted a lot of people, police and soldiers will die try to arrest this one man.Every time the citizens of Tivoli behave like they are doing now it sets Jamaica back 20 years. I will be lying if i don't tell you folks that most of these people are compelled to say and do the thing they are doing now. Such is the life of Garrison politics. When the big man say women and children much march , so be it, no argument a just so. @ Jay Brown the answer to your question is no. But I think Bruce though if he announced that he is allowing the court to case to proceed he would have taken some of the heat off him, it back fired. Just like every thing else he schemed to do.It's O.K to say we will die for dudus, because some of you will. I can only pray it is not the people held against their will. Sad..

Chuck Emanuel
5/21/2010

Be my Guest !.

JA Cynic
5/21/2010

It is good that some--for whatever reason--are prepared to pay the ultimate political price for Dudus,The GOJ may have to put this announced resolve to the test.
The real dilemma is that given the high political cost, it will be very embarassing if after all this, the GOJ is unable to find Dudus.
JA Cynic

Yard Brit
5/21/2010

How many of these demonstrators actually contribute to Jamaican society. If these people had BILLS to pay and jobs to go to they couldn’t afford to waste the states resources trying keep them safe from themselves.

james wood
5/21/2010

Pease try to understand the situation that our brothers and sisters of Western Kingston are facing before you critisize them. Let them know we are praying for them, the last thing you want is for them to feel like the rest of the world is against them.

Claude Ingram
5/21/2010

Let’s hear some comments from the residents of TG. Could someone from TG pleases tell us why there are NO crimes or violence in TG so we can apply that model to the rest of Jamaica. What’s the deterrent?

Klaus-Peter Eichel
5/21/2010

Why did the PM publish his intention to sign, before he did? Could he not have foreseen the panic he caused withit? The panic that have kept people in and arond Tivoli. The panic that could even fall pon di police!
Was it because he wanted to warn somebody? Whom?
Was it because he self is in panic to loose power?
Bwoy, this man is much more dangerous than "Dudus". People of Jamaica should claim an extradition for Bruce and the parliament should sign it as soon as possible.

Paul Lewis
5/21/2010

If they are willing to die for him....so let it be. I am sure they have made proper arrangements and the burial costs will not be borne by the Tax-payers. The people of Tivoli has spoken...they have chosen lawlessness over being a Jamaican.

Ramon Castro
5/21/2010

This is no human making. The Almighty have heard the cries of the people of Jamaica. The stench has reached up to heaven. Golding had to do what he did - no mystery. How else would the spotlight on "donmanship" and garrison politics be put in the forefront? Now Jamaican and the rest of the world can clearly understand the nature of politics in Jamaica.
The question is what are the elected leaders, PNP and JLP are going to do to rid/reduce the nature of this evil monster call crime?
There are more women who goes to church, There are more homes that are headed by women, there are more women who are weeping for their children and how sad it is to see these women declaring their will to die for an accused convict.
SAD!! SAD!! The only reason why Bruce Golding is MP for this area is because Edward Seaga has created a monster called TG. Sis P watch out because your constituency is next. When a constituency has been won by one party with 90% of votes consistently, trouble is brewing.

james wood
5/21/2010

The people of West Kingston are willing to die for thier hero(their Robin Hood), the people of Thailand are willing to die for change in their country.Where are the Jamaicans who chat so much about change in Jamaica, are you willing to die for it like some of our national heroes did, Or unu jus love chat? @Junior Kelly, i know you are not the singer so please use a different name.

Jay Brown
5/21/2010

When can you ever recall that the signing of any extradition made public before it was done.
The orders are usually signed and warrants handed over to the police.
The apprehension team then stealthy goes in and get the suspect.
In this case well tell the suspect and is cronies " Yow sah mi gee d order fi d warrant sign, after it dun sign a warrant ago be issued for u arrest. U caan seh mi neva did warn u".
In essence that was what was said, so this is what you get.

Hotta Fire
5/21/2010

Presidents' council? but wait! There cannot be no peace until Jamaica gets justice. Intelligence proves the grizzly is loose, arsenal of all proportions are in tivoli, these are damaging truths. After the arrest of dudus or during, will the owners of these high powered firearms be arrested too? Will the Government of Jamaica, the security forces, the rest of Jamaica demand these weapons be handed over? This situation has highlighted what was already known in Jamaica that TG is the greatgrand of all garrisons. We demand whichever party leading the country from this time forth, to give instuctions for the dismanting of this particular garrison. They have displayed their willingness to take on jamaica and it should not, must not and will not be tolerated. The thugs aligned to the PNP who have decided to join forces against law and order must also feel the pressure, they too must relinquish all weapons. The murder rate is out of control, while weapons are being displayed, it has to end.

Just Saying
5/21/2010

Amazing!

george watson
5/21/2010

We could ask the Israeli’s to go in and take him out without a shot being fired. I say this though, knowing fully well that Mr. Coke is nowhere near Tivoli. The grandstanding is just to allow them to properly conceal their weapons.
Never did they expect that under this regime that the security forces would have the audacity again to enter their community so they might have been careless with what was put where.
In the meantime people continue to talk as if TG has the right to “defend themselves.” Defend themselves against what? In my community the police continue to patrol it and if they perceive anything to be wrong they get a warrant, carry out a search and do what they have to do.
At Christmas we contribute to their party, attend their function and wish them well, even though action has been taken against some of our residents
Why is it different in Tivoli? Is Tivoli not a part of Jamaica?
And if the people in Tivoli perceive bloodshed if the security forces go in, and their GOD Dudus loves them so much, why not give himself up and prevent this bloodbath”
And why is the MP for the constituency, who happens to be the prime minister so silent? Why is he not down there telling the people to behave?
And what about the mayor of Kingston? We need to hear from these gentlemen.

Junior Kelly
5/21/2010

Well Let America Get him... and then we'll see who be the real badman!
I don't even try to comprehend because this whole Extradition thing and the length of time its taking for the security forces to get the man! ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!... I say Let the US Special OPs get him, they'll do it and wont be afraid to do what they have to in getting him out of the TG stronghold,...............SAD is the word of the week .....

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Willing to die for ‘Dudus’