Tivoli collects from Dudus damage

Prime Minister Bruce Golding visited Tivoli Gardens in his West Kingston constituency yesterday to hand over cheques to residents whose homes were damaged during May's battle between security forces and gunmen in the community.

The police and military had gone into Tivoli on May 24 to execute an arrest warrant for community leader Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. The United States government wanted him extradited to face criminal charges in that country. A raging battle ensued between the lawmen and gunmen loyal to Coke.

The clash left more than 70 persons dead and dozens of homes damaged. In some cases, furniture were also destroyed. After the battle, the prime minister promised the residents that they would be compensated for the damage to their homes.

About 160 residents received payment yesterday. A total of 2,700 families from Tivoli and nearby communities including Denham Town, Hannah Town and Fletcher's Land, are to receive assistance in the coming weeks.

"What happened in May could not have been avoided," Golding told the residents.

"You are just the first batch to receive help. This will be continuing into next week as we try to assist residents to get back on their feet," he said.

The programme was coordinated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Social Development Commission which, in recent months, have had teams in the area assessing the damage.

Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, who is also councillor for Tivoli Gardens, urged residents to use the money wisely.

"What you have lost emotionally cannot be replaced. What is being done here is to help you get your lives together again," said McKenzie.