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Changing Nature of Resistance
5.8.
Both of the security forces were accustomed to elements of the
population demonstrating their opposition to or resentment of activities of which
they disapproved by burning tyres or blocking roads with debris.
5.9.
However, in May 2010 and prior to the launch of the operation on
24 May, the security forces became aware that the criminal elements in Tivoli
Gardens and West Kingston had planned a new and different method of
physically fortifying Tivoli Gardens to prevent Coke’s arrest and were planning a
massive arming of gunmen. Indeed, CoP Ellington said that when he met with
Bishop Herro Blair on 22 May to discuss having Coke surrender peacefully, the
Bishop told him that he had never before in his life seen so many rifles as those
he saw on his way to Coke’s place in Tivoli Gardens. Bishop Blair confirmed this
observation when he appeared at the Enquiry.
CDS Saunders
5.10.
CDS Saunders stated at para.9 of his witness statement -
“I received intelligence reports that indicated that fortified
barricades defended by gunmen with high-powered
weapons, numerous obstacles, booby traps using improvised
incendiary explosive devices and in some cases electrified,
machine gun emplacements and regularly posted patrols and
sentries with rifles and pistols were put in place in Tivoli
Gardens. In addition to this, the Intelligence Reports
indicated the presence of dynamite, Molotov Cocktails, at
least two .50 calibre sniper rifles and additional submachine
guns, plus an abundance of assorted rounds of ammunition.
It was confirmed that there were a number of ex-military
personnel in that location, at least one of whom had served
in the US Armed Forces and had done a tour of duty in Iraq.
These persons were instrumental in providing knowledge
and expertise in the manning of the fortifications. This was
evidenced by the well-constructed sandbag positions with
portholes to facilitate shooting.”