Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Now that he has been released from prison, Leighton 'Livity' Coke says he is not interested in being a 'don' for Tivoli Gardens.

With the sentencing of his brother Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, everyone expected Livity to take over the reigns. But this does not seem to be what he has in mind.

"Seven brothers, seven different minds. That is why I am using this opportunity to say that I am not interested in being area leader or don or strongman of Tivoli. I am just interested in continuing to do the positive work in my music, business and family life," he told THE STAR.

When quizzed about who might possibly be the 'don' for the area, he said, "I don't know but it's not me."

Livity says he also wants to disassociate himself from the 'donmanship'.

"Where it concerns the media, the stigma that they have created around us, that is what we take this opportunity now to disassociate my name in such titles as Tivoli Gardens don or strongman," said Livity.

While he does not intend to be a don, Livity says he is saddened by the violent incursion that took place in Tivoli Gardens in May 2010.

"I was not there to see that scenery but just by hearing from relatives and friends, it was very devastating. I don't think anyone would like to experience that any time in their lifetime," he said.

loss of lives

Although he did not say definitively that the people should be compensated for what they experienced, Livity said they have rights.

"One thing that I am sure is that the people have their rights. We are talking about the loss of lives. We are talking about people that lost their loved ones. You can't compensate for the loss of lives," Livity said.

And with family, friends and businesses in the area, Livity says he has to visit west Kingston. He says he has businesses like Royal Auto Shop, City Links and Liv Up Records.

He has been released from prison, but his nightmare is not over, as Livity says his name is being used to scam business associates and even entertainers of their money. He said these scams started in 2010 when he was behind bars and have continued since being freed.

"Some unscrupulous persons around making calls saying that I am asking people for money to assist with my fundamental purposes and if it did not come through, those persons would receive threats. So I would just like to make it publicly known to anyone that receive those calls to report it to the nearest police station," he said, noting that his character is being damaged.

Meanwhile, Livity says he is grateful for the prayers and support he received during his prison stay. He also lauded his defence team for its good work.