434 / 494
433
would have hampered the security forces in their efforts to effect his
timely arrest. It is undoubted that the progress of the security forces,
particularly the JDF (1JR and 2JR) was retarded by stiff resistance
from gunmen loyal to Coke. And we do not doubt the assertions of the
police witnesses that the JCF officers were unable to observe the
waterways owing to the intensity of gunfire. We also find that the
progress of Bravo Company was delayed not by reason of the shooting
of Pte. Green but by reason of the intensity and duration of gunfights,
especially in the area of Coronation Market and MSOC.
PART 2 – THE CAPTURE OF COKE
The Circumstances
13.46.
Twenty-nine days after the internal security operation, Coke was
eventually captured/surrendered while travelling in a vehicle on the Mandela
Highway towards Kingston. At the time of his capture/surrender, he was in the
company of Rev. Al Miller.
CDS Saunders
13.47.
CDS Saunders’ evidence was that Coke was caught as a result of
follow-up operations. He said that –
“Based on Intelligence that Coke was not in Tivoli Gardens,
we followed the Intelligence trail. We conveyed the
information to the police and he was intercepted. The public
had reported in excess of 100 sightings of him. They were
mostly false. We had launched a number of operations in
lower St. Andrew, upper St. Andrew, over into St. Mary, into
St. Ann and we followed that particular Intelligence trail.
And so we knew when he was on his way back to Kingston
without being in the custody of any law enforcement
persons. As a result of that, we were able to effect his
capture. He was intercepted.”