More details on the state of emergency happening now in Kingston, Jamaica.
More news and updates have been unveiled this afternoon as reports that the Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Goldin has denounced the unrest in the capital city of Kingston and apparently has called it a mere “calculated assault on the authority of the state.” More of the fierce fighting between Jamaican security forces and gunmen attempting to protect a powerful gang leader have unfortunately extended into a third day Tuesday in Kingston, the Jamaican capital.
A twisted political system in which Jamaican politicians and crime bosses team up to share power was laid bare the controversy behind this evolving story which probably isn’t receiving as much attention as it should be. In case you had no idea about what’s been happening in Kingston to cause the state of emergency in the first place, here’s the shortened version in a nutshell.
Christopher "Dudus" Coke, one of Kingston's most notorious crime bosses.
Christopher “Dudus” Coke, a high profile drug lord and gang leader, is wanted in the United States on gun and drug charges. However, he’s being put up against Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who has relied on Coke’s influence to win votes in the west Kingston neighborhood that both men share. Conflict of interest? A sign or tricky politics accompanied by sketchy deals in the drug circuit? Absolutely, but it only gets worse.
Golding, who initially made the decision to fight back in an attempt by the United States to extradite Coke to New York, began facing criticism as soon as he spoke up only to find his government hung in the balance. That imbalance caused Golding to back down and agree to send Coke to face the charges against him. Upset and outraged that Golding’s power was being pushed over on the area’s most notorious crime boss, Coke’s supporters began barricading streets and wielding weapons to keep police and soldiers at bay.
For much of the weekend and so far much of the beginning of this week, Kingston, which has long been known for its rough neighborhoods and high crime rates, has endured some serious backlash. The people have turned to the streets to voice their opinions and keep Coke’s name in the clear. Fighting at times blocked access to Kingston’s airport and even U.S. citizens are being encouraged not to travel to the city due to safety issues. A mess, isn’t it? Again, it gets worse. So far, three police and soldiers have been killed as they searched house by house for Coke, who’s apparently being protected in more ways than one. His power and influence have been used improperly, but is he the only one to blame? Is Golding actually in for it, too, for interfering?
Fires and barricades line the violent streets in Kingston, Jamaica as the state of emergency continues.
Here are the latest headlines on the unrest in Jamaica. Click on the links to read more and tell us what’s on your mind.
Jamaica Opposition to Seek Golding’s Resignation Over Violence
More on Jamaica’s State of Emergency
Cincinnati, this sounds way too familiar if you ask me. When a drug lord of any culture reaches a certain level of fame and fortune, isn’t it common for some group of people to begin tearing them down? Don’t agree with that observation? How about taking a look at how this kind of behavior impacts our neighborhoods for a minute. If foul play is in action behind the issues, who all involved should take the fall? Tell us what you think of the situation and post your feedback in the comments section below.
