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Matters Precipitating the Events of 24 May 2010
2.45.
Coke’s illegal activities and his deep involvement in organised
transnational crime brought him to the attention of the Government of the U.S.A.
(USG). On 24 August 2009, the heads of the security forces of Jamaica received
information that the USG was actively seeking Coke’s extradition from Jamaica.
CDS Stewart Saunders and Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, then Commissioner of
Police, immediately apprised Mr. Golding and the then Minister of National
Security, Hon. Dwight Nelson, of their information. Coke was then living in
Belvedere, Red Hills, St. Andrew. Almost immediately after the Security Heads
met with Messrs. Golding and Nelson, they received Intelligence that Coke had
fled from Belvedere to his base in Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston.
2.46.
The Government of Jamaica (GoJ) took nearly nine months before
deciding to issue a warrant of arrest for Coke. During this hiatus, the security
forces began to plan for a joint operation to arrest Coke. On his part, Coke
continued to amass a substantial armoury and recruit a large number of
mercenaries to protect him from arrest.
2.47.
On 17 May 2010, the Prime Minister announced to the nation that
the GoJ would commence the extradition process to have Coke arrested.
Persons loyal to Coke intensified preparations to resist any attempt to arrest him.
The general population became very anxious and apprehensive. They feared a
repeat of previous violent confrontations between gunmen in West Kingston and
the security forces.
2.48.
Matters came to a head on Sunday, 23 May. Criminal elements
launched a series of attacks against police stations in West Kingston and related
areas. These attacks were of such intensity that the Heads of the security forces
sought and obtained an urgent meeting of the Cabinet of Jamaica. The