More calls to remove blockades

THE POLICE High Command and the Jamaican Bar Association have issued appeals to the residents of Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town to remove the blockades erected on several roads in the area.

Most entrances to the two communities have been blocked since Monday when news came that the Government had decided to sign the extradition request for West Kingston strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

The residents have argued that the barricades were erected to prevent the security forces from swarming their community and engaging in random acts of violence.

But yesterday, the police sought to persuade the residents that they had no plan to unleash terror in the communities.

"The desire of the security forces is to maintain and uphold the law. The security forces have no desire to engage in any armed conflict ... and will continue to exercise restraint and perform its duties in a professional manner," the Police High Command said in a release.

"The police are reminding all citizens that the setting-up of barricades is illegal, as the security forces must have unfettered access to pursue their lawful duties in any community in Jamaica," added the High Command.

For its part, the Bar Association said it was concerned about the roadblocks and the demonstrations.

"We call on all those involved to immediately cease any such illegal activities that undoubtedly threaten the rule of law and infringe the rights of other citizens."

The association noted that the extradition proceedings against Coke were going forward within the provisions of the law and urged his supporters to confine their challenges to the courts.

In the meantime, the Bar Association noted that several questions remained on the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips issue despite the recent statement by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and called on those involved to provide the nation with full disclosure.