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With former Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke facing a lengthy prison term in the United States, there is concern that there could be a full-scale turf war to determine his successor.
"A now the turf war start," one resident whispered yesterday, minutes after news broke that Coke had pleaded guilty to cocaine and firearm-related charges in a federal courtroom in New York.
Residents, many of whom were tight-lipped, told THE STAR that many of the 'top men' in the area were holding things together believing Dudus would have "buss di case" and returned. They said now that he faces a long time behind bars, several 'individuals' will want to step to the fore and claim the donmanship.
This they say will definitely result in disagreements, which they expect, more than likely, to be settled on the battlefield.
Police sources say several persons have been positioning themselves to replace Coke.
"Full alert, full alert," one senior crime fighter in the West Kingston Police Division repeated when he was informed of Coke's guilty plea.
Coke pleaded guilty to one count of cocaine trafficking, one count of firearm trafficking and assault arising from the stabbing of an alleged drug dealer in The Bronx, New York, several years ago. He faces up to 23 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 8.
Sergeant Annetta Newell, who is attached to the Tivoli Garden Police Post, seemed disappointed when told of the residents' concerns.
Pointing to the many social programmes the police have undertaken in the community in the past 12 months, Newell said it appears the culture of the donmanship has not yet been broken
"This means the people (of Tivoli Gardens) don't see us as part of the leadership in the community," she said. "They are still relying on the ideology of the donmanship."
Newell said the police will now have to mount a more aggressive social campaign along with more covert operations to deter those with criminal ambitions.
Meanwhile, residents had mixed reactions to Coke's guilty plea.
"Lawd Mr Dee, me can't deal wid that right now," a woman said when she heard the news. "Me neva expect say a man like him did ago do that."
Others vowed to support 'Prezi' in his decision. "Anything wha we don a do, we deh behind him same way," said one woman.
"Him must know what is the right thing fi him," another said joining her.
When contacted yesterday, Coke's sister Sandy Brown told THE STAR that she is trusting God for the best with her brother's trial.
According to Brown, "I can just imagine how depressed he must feel right now especially with his mother's passing but I am just trusting God for the best. I didn't know he was going to plead guilty or not guilty but God is the creator of miracles and I am just believing in the Father."
