Long, hard rebuilding process

The Editor, Sir:

I am in complete agreement with your editorial of Tuesday, June 29 titled 'Do not sanitise Dudus'.

I take the time to write because I think that you have put your finger on the pulse of the entire line of reasoning behind Coke's tardiness in leaving Tivoli Gardens until absolute pressure forced him to.

He was not prepared to give up the stranglehold that he has had on Tivoli Gardens for so long, and which had benefited him enormously.

Yes, there is no evidence that he had anything at all to do with the Government's foot-dragging over the extradition request, but certainly, because of his position, he would be aware that there would be some reluctance to immediately comply.

He also could not claim ignorance of the fact that there would be barricading of his domain and that there had been the burning of police stations and attacks on members of the security forces.

Tivoli Gardens now faces a long and hard rebuilding process, not only of structures damaged during the unrest, but also of extreme damage to the psyche of residents traumatised by the events of May to June 2010.

In addition, there is the question of residents facing a totally different lifestyle, without the support of dons, and existing with a new set of rules and guidelines imposed under a system of rigid law and order.

It will be long and hard, but it is inevitable and necessary, and perhaps in the long run, will come to be regarded as welcome.

I am, etc.,

Tino Geddes

Kingston