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Tivoli Enquiry Report … And Massacre Of 76 … Re Dudus .Extradition …

Christopher Dudus CokeA leaked copy of the very expensive Tivoli Gardens operation that led to an estimated massacre of some 79, mainly unarmed civilians.

The tribunal led by Barbadian Sir David Simmons has recommended that the citizens 1) be inadequately compensated and this be done immediately, and

2) A Compensation Committee be set up to expeditiously see to same … should be “fair” …

3) That Statutory Limit be waived to allow more time for INDECOM to investigate the murders/massacre.

4) Counselling for children estimated by the United Nations (UN). to be 2500.

Mortars

The tribunal also found that the use of mortars was “wreck less”.

The Office of the Public Defender has already frowned on the use of mortars which is believed to have at least killed one person. Legal action has started by the Public Defender.

There was a Police/Military operation to capture Christopher Dudus Coke in May 2010. Coke was extradited to the USA.

The Enquiry cost about J$300 million.

Public Defender

Reacting to the report Public Defender Arlene Harrison-Henry said “I think that many of the recommendations accords with some of ours. These are consistent with ours especially about traumatized children. This counselling should be continuing. Detainees were not recommended for compensation.” She asserted in a radio interview monitored by Vision.

Number Massacred

On the matter of how many civilians were killed re Tivoli Massacre … this figure continues to change. The fact is we may never know how many as some of the bodies were believed buried in mass graves in the nearby May Pen Cemetery and possibly elsewhere, without being properly identified. This is not only scandalous but a clear violation of international law and or conventions. The leaked report said 69, we have heard anecdotally 76, the Public Defender said 79 killed/ massacred. We may never know the true figure as stated before.

We await the full report and be assured you will get the facts right here at Vision first.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie visited the Enquiry at times. He is Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.

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