'I am no don' - Pepsi trying to shed Tel Aviv area leader title

THE MAN long believed to be the area leader of the tough central Kingston community known as Tel Aviv, Donovan 'Pepsi' Ainsworth, is moving to dispel claims that he is a 'don'.

"I Donovan Ainsworth, otherwise known as 'Pepsi' or 'Calla Danks', write this notice to officially inform all politicians and members of the security forces who have classified me as a gang leader or a don that I am neither," Ainsworth told The Gleaner yesterday.

This was a repeat of a statement which he posted across the community, including close to the Gold Street Police Station.

"It can't be fair that the politicians divide a community and abandon the people and when a man come out and start to represent the people, you call him a don and want to destroy him," Ainsworth said.

The 49-year-old father of eight said that he was listed as a person of interest by the police during the extended state of emergency last year.

"I turned myself in and them question me and release me. After them (the police) kill 'Pugu' (Horace Ramsey), them come pick me up and question me for five days about extortion and release me because me no inna that," said Ainsworth.

He expressed fear that the word on the street that the police are determined to kill all dons could lead to his death.

Ainsworth urged The Gleaner to speak with the business operators around Tel Aviv and neighbouring communities to find out "if me ever send a man to them yet and tell them say me want anything".

According to Ainsworth, he is a contractor involved in construction and is earning a decent living, which has put him in a position to build his house in St Catherine.

Ainsworth said he was not involved in gangster life and had little influence over any of the young men who might be involved in crime.

- Arthur Hall