Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer 
IN SEPTEMBER, 1998 Donald 'Zekes' Phipps was detained on suspicion of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and unlawful wounding. Incensed at what they say was unjustified action by the police, residents of Matthews Lane marched to Duke Street and the Central Police Station where their hero was held. His supporters formed a dragnet around the station, demanding 'Zekes'' release.
The scene where 'Zekes' takes the bull horn from a hapless Superintendent James Forbes then tells his followers to disperse with a simple "mi soon come" was, in some way, akin to a Biblical figure scolding his flock.
That day, Jamaicans saw up-front the power of Donald 'Zekes' Phipps who was released from custody without being charged. Try as he may, he has found it difficult to avoid the spotlight since.
LIONISED BY RESIDENTS
Six years on 'Zekes' has become a cult figure who is lionised by residents of Matthews Lane and adjacent communities, and despised by his enemies. "Dem nuh know sey when Father 'Zekes' dey a road tings run nice... nobody cyaan trouble nobody down yah so," one of his supporters told the Sunday Gleaner Wednesday.
Donald is the youngest of three Phipps brothers. His older siblings, Carl and Glenford, were also influential figures in Matthews Lane but both met tragic deaths.
Carl and his cousin, known only as 'Bulby', were killed on Easter Sunday of 1977. On July 15, Glen and two other men were murdered at the Marley Manor apartment complex in Kingston; Glen Phipps, known in West Kingston circles as 'Early Bird', was a supervisor with the Metropolitan Parks and Market (MPM) government agency.
No arrests were made in either case. Unlike his Arnett Gardens counterpart, the late Willie "Willie Haggart" Moore who thrived on his popularity as leader of the flamboyant Black Roses Crew, 'Zekes' maintained a low profile for much of the 1990s. But that all changed after his arrest in 1998 and the riots that closed downtown Kingston for three days, resulting in the deaths of four persons including two policemen.
'Zekes' was immortalised in song by singer Cocoa Tea, hung out with dancehall stars like Buju Banton and even earned the gratitude of Prime Minister P J Patterson for helping to keep the peace in troubled West Kingston.
Last Sunday, the latest saga involving the balding, diminutive Phipps took place in Matthews Lane where he was arrested and later charged by the police for illegal possession of ammunition and possession of and dealing in ganja. Police also discovered over $9 million, including US$43,000, at the Sons of the Lane store he operates at Matthews Lane.
PASSPORT
On Thursday, he was offered bail at $1.5 million but was unable to post bond due to complications with his passport. He is scheduled to appear again in the Half-Way Tree Court on November 2.
'Zekes'' arrest came six weeks after fighting between factions in Matthews Lane and Tivoli Gardens erupted. The outburst broke several years of peace between the communities which have strong ties to the governing People's National Party and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party, respectively.
The fighting allegedly stems from differences between 'Zekes' and Victor 'Rooster' Robinson, his former righthand man, who recently defected to Tivoli.
Joseph 'Bunny' Witter, who says he grew up with the Phipps brothers, says 'Zekes' has suffered from media's image of him as a heavy man. "A lotta the things yuh hear 'bout Donald not true," said Mr. Witter. He told The Sunday Gleaner that the current Matthews Lane/Tivoli Gardens feud has affected his friend.
"Mi brether, I don't see no man whose life is under threat that wouldn't tek it serious."
UPS AND DOWNS
Victor Cummings, Member of Parliament for Central Kingston and Zekes' step-brother, told the Sunday Gleaner in July that being related to 'Zekes' has its ups and downs.
"The people downtown think twice about hurting me and there are some who think whatever (Government) resource I get I give it to him," said. Mr. Cummings.
"Then there's the upper St. Andrew people who don't value me because of that background."
Mr. Witter believes 'Zekes' has done much to maintain peace in West Kingston by working with police and other community leaders. He says the fact there has not been a repeat of the disturbances of five years ago, supports this.
"The mood alright inna Matthews Lane and that show that the people have matured," he said. "Them want to see him come out but they realise that the law is the law. If they misbehave it won't help him."
