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2.4.
The scale of the operation and its costs in blood and economic
value were great and unprecedented in the history of confrontations between the
citizenry and the security forces of Jamaica. Two days after the launch of the
operation, 69 civilians and 3 members of the security forces lay dead. The United
Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
estimated “the total effect of the unrest” on the economy of Jamaica at
J$22,515.8 billion (US$258.8 million). Losses suffered by JCF alone, were
calculated by that Force at J$126,150,000. An amount of J$71,890,000 was paid
ex gratia
to residents by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) as a
compassionate grant to assist them in their recovery and rehabilitation.
2.5.
Senior officers of the security forces readily described the operation
as an event, the like of which they had never before experienced in their many
years of service. Equally, residents of West Kingston who testified at the Enquiry
spoke of a frightening experience and being in a continuing state of fear and
anxiety immediately before, during and after the operation.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
2.6.
In order to understand how the events of 24 May 2010 eventuated,
it is necessary to pay regard to the historical context. No event of the magnitude
of the operation of May 2010 is easily explained in the absence of a sense of
history and an appreciation of the factors, forces or persons that influenced the
event. Christopher Coke, the criminal gang known as “The Presidential Click” or
“Shower Posse”, the community of Tivoli Gardens and previous confrontations
between the residents of West Kingston and the security forces, are matters
central to the events of May 2010.
CHRISTOPHER COKE
2.7.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Crime
Portfolio, Mr. Glenmore Hinds, gave evidence before the Commission about Coke