133 / 494
132
Other Evidence of Efforts to Impede the Security Forces
6.43.
JDF and JCF witnesses consistently testified that, in the process of
trying to enter Tivoli Gardens and its environs, they encountered different levels
of intensity of gunfire at different places and at different times. They
characterised the intensity of gunfire as “heavy”, “moderate”, “sporadic”. The
relevant evidence is discussed in detail at Chapter 4 (supra).
6.44.
Suffice it to say here that intense fire and strong resistance came
from gunmen in communities to the north of Tivoli including Hannah Town and
Denham Town on the immediate northern boundary of Tivoli at the Darling
Street and Bustamante Highway entry point near Foxy’s Plaza. The security
forces also reported being targets of sustained heavy fire while they were
advancing through Coronation Market.
6.45.
Lt. Col. Sewell said that it took approximately 30 minutes for a
contingent of soldiers to make its way north along Industrial Terrace to its
intersection with McKenzie Drive. Normally, such a journey would take
5 minutes. Similarly, it required some time for the security forces to gain control
of the Tivoli Gardens community. And Maj. Kevron Henry gave detailed and
sequential evidence of the intense gunfire that Bravo Company encountered from
near Coronation Market at noon until they reached and took possession of Foxy’s
Plaza and PassaPassa Plaza shortly after 4.30 p.m.
6.46.
Lt. Col. Sewell told us that at 1.30 p.m. on 24 May, he was able to
walk “tactically” around Tivoli Gardens although the area had not been
completely pacified at the time. Sector 1 was dominated by 3.00 p.m.; sector 2
soon thereafter and sector 3 “about 5.00 p.m.” according to Capt. Anderson.
Lt. Col. Sewell estimated that the security forces had achieved “dominance” of
the Tivoli Gardens community between 4.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. Nevertheless,
civilian witnesses and sector commanders spoke of sporadic gunfire throughout