Move to avert unrest in prison

Kingston, Jamaica – The Department of Correctional Services has taken steps to prevent unrest at a maximum security facility where the brother of alleged drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke is being held.
Head of the Department of Correctional Services Lieutenant Colonel Sean Prendergast said “certain actions” had to be taken at the Horizon Remand Centre because of security implications.
The Department would not say what action was taken in the wake of reports that some high risk inmates were refusing their meals and were opposed to special security measures at the remand centre.”Many of the occupants there have refused meals on a number of occasions over the last few days and perhaps weeks and are objecting to some of the security measures that were introduced. All of their needs are being met and none of them are having their rights infringed in anyway but there are some security measures that are in place to make sure that they conform to our rules and regulations,” Prendergast said.
Among those being held at that section of the maximum security facility, is Leighton “Livity” Coke who is facing charges of shooting with intent, illegal possession of a firearm and wearing a Jamaica Defence Force uniform.
He is accused of firing at the security forces during their incursion into Tivoli Gardens to serve an arrest warrant on his brother  Christopher “Dudus” Coke last May.
Security was heightened in the area yesterday as several residents from the communities of Denham Town and Lizard Town protested near the entrance to the remand centre after reports surface that Leighton “Livity” Coke was ill.
Protestors also stoned the Denham Town police station, accusing security officials of abusing Coke. However, there was no serious damage.
Prendergast denied that Coke Livity was ill but said he was not allowed visitors at this time because of the “disruptive behavior” of a number of inmates. (CMC)