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interpretation of the circumstances of the death of his father, “Jim Brown”, who
had died in prison while awaiting extradition.
7.25.
When Bishop Blair reported Coke’s fears to CoP Ellington, the
Commissioner requested Bishop Blair to assure Coke that he would personally
guarantee his safety.
Evidence of CoP Ellington
7.26.
CoP Ellington spoke of the discussions with Bishop Blair:
“He came to see me in my office and told me that he had
been in contact with Coke and Coke was concerned about
his safety if he were to come into custody because he
recalled his father being killed in the custody of the State….I
asked Bishop Blair if he could persuade Coke to surrender
peacefully to the police. I gave him the assurance that I
would personally, as Commissioner of Police, make sure that
he was safe and secure once he turned himself in. I also
told him that if Coke was so concerned about spending time
in custody locally, he could waive his right to an extradition
hearing….[Bishop Blair] left and said he would go and speak
to Coke. He came back to me, I think the day after, and he
told me that the man says he is not coming. He said he
waited a long time to see Coke and he had some previous
experience with the military and he had never seen so many
rifles in his life and he would be praying for me and my
officers. He saw the rifles in Tivoli Gardens.”
7.27.
With regard to Rev. Miller, CoP Ellington said that Miller reported to
him Coke’s response to his suggestion of a peaceful surrender. Miller is alleged
to have said –
“I saw the man and the man said to me if it was the PNP in
office, they would know how to deal with this. Tell Bruce
Golding to find a way to deal with it. I am not going
anywhere and, if they want me, they have to come for me
and they have to come good.”