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PART I
PREPARATIONS FOR FORTIFICATION
Characteristics of Barricades and Embattlements
6.3.
Evidence was given that it is not unusual for communities affected
by gang violence to erect barricades to prevent drive-by shootings or other forms
of indiscriminate armed attack. These are barriers properly so called.
Embattlements, on the other hand, are qualitatively and quantitatively different.
They are structures which often have embedded in them explosive devices that
pose a dire threat to life when activated.
Maj. Mahatma Williams’ Description of the Barricading
6.4.
According to Maj. Mahatma Williams, there were 37 barricades in
Western Kingston “a few days before 24 May 2010”. Aerial footage of Western
Kingston, produced by Maj. Williams and video footage produced by ACP Clifford
Blake, gave graphic insight into the scale of barricading taking place. For
example, barriers were erected along the boundaries of Tivoli Gardens, including
along Spanish Town Road from its intersection with Industrial Terrace eastward
to its intersection with Darling Street. This section of Spanish Town Road was
regarded as the northern boundary of Tivoli Gardens. Barricades were similarly
erected along Darling Street in a southerly direction to the old train station at
Victoria Place. This section of Darling Street was regarded as the eastern
boundary of the community. Industrial Terrace, which was taken as the western
boundary of Tivoli Gardens, was also barricaded at several points. The southern-
most barricade on this street was located at the train line and the northern-most
barricade was at the intersection of Industrial Terrace and Bustamante Highway
and in the vicinity of the Denham Town Police Station. The southern boundary
of the Tivoli-community was marked by a concrete wall extending from Darling
Street in the east to an area in the west known as “Rasta City”. Entry to the