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ammunition were compelling. The total evidence was of such a nature and
quality as to enable us to draw reasonable inferences therefrom.
PART I
THE PRE-OPERATIONAL PHASE
5.4.
For some months prior to 24 May 2010, the Intelligence gathering
units of both the JDF and JCF were able to provide reports on a daily basis of the
preparations of the criminals in West Kingston and related areas. By the time of
the Prime Minister’s announcement on 17 May that the Attorney-General would
sign the ATP, the security forces had a reasonably clear appreciation of the
nature and extent of the threat likely to be posed by criminals loyal to Coke.
5.5.
After the tragic confrontation between the security forces and
criminals in 2001, the JCF stepped up their Intelligence-gathering efforts on the
Presidential Click/Shower Posse and, as CoP Ellington told us, the JCF was
“always kept abreast of developments in the criminal landscape.”
5.6.
He further explained –
“Since 2001 the gang (Presidential Click/Shower Posse) had
invested in improving its weapons system, for example,
buying .50 calibre weapons, shoulder-mounted weapons and
putting explosives in barricades. We knew for a long time
that the gang was a major hub in the supply chain of illegal
guns and ammunition going to the criminal underworld. So
the Presidential Click had more and better weapons than
other gangs.”
5.7.
DCP Hinds revealed that the JCF gathered Intelligence “by
telephone and other intelligence sources in the area and from persons with
access to the community.” He said that these sources “were impeccable and had
a well-developed understanding of the Tivoli gang”.