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created the barricades although they admitted seeing “some”
barricades in the area. It seems to us that these witnesses were glued
to a code of silence perhaps out of genuine fear, self-interest and self-
preservation from reprisals, if they divulged their knowledge of the
persons involved in barricading the area. On the balance of
probabilities, we are of opinion that, since elements of Coke’s vast
organisation are still active in Tivoli Gardens and other parts of
Jamaica as we were told, these residents may still be living in real fear
of reprisals if they divulge information about criminals.
DETERIORATION OF THE SITUATION IN WEST KINGSTON – SUNDAY,
23 MAY 2010
3.60.
On 23 May 2010 the security situation in West Kingston and related
areas deteriorated rapidly. Criminal elements, loyal to Coke, launched a series of
coordinated attacks against members of the JCF and facilities of the Force in
Kingston and St. Andrew. Intelligence reports available to the JCF suggested
that the short-term intent of the criminals assembled in Tivoli Gardens and other
areas of West Kingston was to break the will and spirit of the JCF. CoP Ellington
pointed out that the JCF has a legacy of Intelligence on criminal gangs in
Jamaica including those in Tivoli Gardens and the JCF was always aware of what
was being planned by way of resistance to any operation by the security forces.
Briefing the Prime Minister
3.61.
Mr. Golding said that he was aware of attacks on Hannah Town
and Denham Town Police Stations on 23 May and he recalled the blocking of
roads in several areas. He testified –
“The security forces advised me on the morning of 23 May
that roadblocks had intensified; that some barricades had
been wired to propane gas cylinders; that armed men with
high-powered weapons were manning barricades; sandbags
had been assembled and gunmen were in the vicinity.”