LARGE AREAS of Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, were barricaded against security forces last night in an outbreak of violence orchestrated by supporters of one of the country’s most powerful gang leaders, who is wanted for extradition by the US.
The government declared a state of emergency on Sunday night after supporters of Christopher “Dudus” Coke, who is wanted in the US for drug and weapons trafficking, attacked four police stations in the city, burning one to the ground and killing two policemen.
Last night automatic rifle fire continued after dark and sections of the city remained barricaded off, with army trucks attempting to clear roadblocks in the Red Hills district.
The unrest was triggered after Jamaican authorities attempted to arrest Mr Coke, acting upon a US extradition warrant. He is wanted on charges before the New York courts that he masterminded a drugs trade between Jamaica and North America.
In recent days, residents of Tivoli Gardens and neighbouring Denham Town, where Mr Coke is believed to be hiding, began erecting roadblocks in an apparent attempt to prevent his arrest. The roadblocks began spreading to neighbouring and rival communities along the industrial corridor of Spanish Town Road.
Gunmen from these communities have also been acting in support of Mr Coke in what police say is a co-ordinated attack on law and order.
Residents in central Kingston openly mocked the police as they stood behind the barricades. “Only police I trust is a sleeping policeman I’ve run over in the road,” said one.
Mr Coke maintains considerable respect in these neighbourhoods for his strong maintenance of what is known as “one order”, and for ensuring peace in the downtown area.
Some fear that his removal will destabilise the area. Mr Coke is often referred to as “president” in Tivoli – an indication of the extent of his power locally. Although police are unable to operate freely there, the area enjoys considerable security, attributed to his leadership.
The ruling Jamaican Labour Party is also prominently represented in the neighbourhood, where political and gang networks are intimately intertwined. Under a relationship known as garrison politics, political parties shore up votes by partnering with gangsters and using coercion and physical intimidation.
Jamaican prime minister Bruce Golding initially resisted the extradition, arguing that evidence gathered against Mr Coke by wire-tapping had been wrongly obtained by the US authorities.
Mr Golding eventually capitulated in the face of intense lobbying by Washington. – (Guardian service)