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CHAPTER 3
THE SITUATION IN WEST KINGSTON AND RELATED AREAS IN
MAY 2010 PRIOR TO THE ATTEMPT TO EXECUTE A PROVISIONAL
WARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF CHRISTOPHER “DUDUS” COKE AND
THE REASONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE
DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN MAY 2010
ToR (A)
INTRODUCTION
3.1.
The violent events in West Kingston on 24 May 2010 did not
suddenly happen. As indicated in Chapter 2, they had their genesis on
24 August 2009 when the then CoP Hardley Lewin and CDS Stewart Saunders
received information that the Government of the USG intended to request the
extradition of Coke.
3.2.
This Chapter examines various activities and events leading up to
the launch of the internal security operation in West Kingston and related areas
with a view to contextualizing the situation in those areas.
3.3.
Thus, we discuss the circumstances under which the Attorney-
General signed an “Authority to Proceed” thereby authorising the execution of a
warrant of arrest on Coke. We sketch the planning of the security forces for
execution of the warrant; the announcement of the signing of the warrant; the
reactions of the residents of Tivoli Gardens as exemplified by public
demonstrations and fortification of Tivoli Gardens.
3.4.
Particular attention is directed to the eruption of violence on
23 May, the briefing of the Cabinet by the Heads of the security forces, the Prime
Minister’s broadcast to the nation and the declaration of a State of Emergency.