KINGSTON, Jamaica – Some J$18 million were paid out to squatters in Tivoli Gardens following the May, 2010 operation to apprehend Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

Permanent secretary in the Labour and Social Security Ministry Collette Roberts-Risden testified that J$92.8 million was paid out to people whose dwellings and other properties were lost or damaged, for funeral expenses and to vendors at the Coronation Market.

But, under cross-examination from Linton Gordon, the attorney representing the Jamaica Defence Force, it was shown that J$18 million was paid out to people who said they were squatting at a Government property on McKenzie drive.

During his questioning, Tivoli Enquiry Commission Chairman Sir David Simmons commented: “Let the JDF proceed, don’t assist the poor people.”

But Gordon said that was not his angle. He later highlighted, using a document he had, that money was paid out to people from McKenzie Drive with foreign numbers. However, this fell flat as it was pointed out to Gordon that his document had a fault and that the numbers he said were foreign numbers were actually two local numbers listed in one.

In her examination-in-chief, Roberts-Risden testified that no one received compensation and that the money was a compassionate grant to help them get back on their feet.

The Tivoli Enquiry is to continue on Monday with West Kingston residents taking the witness chair.

Paul Henry