Judicial Scoop
KINGSTON, Jamaica – A 36-year-old suspect, said to be a diabetic and a heart patient, is facing allegations that he knowingly imported firearms into the country through the facilities of the shipping company to which he was employed.
The State revealed the troubling allegations in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Thursday, November 2, 2023, where the suspect, Miguel Reid, was arraigned on charges of having identity information.
The prosecution alleged that on September 04, 2023, Reid used the identity information of several persons to create email addresses, which he then used to make fake accounts at the shipping company.
Reid then shared the shipping addresses generated with a man overseas who allegedly shipped firearms to Reid in Jamaica.
Reid, who attorney-at-law Orville Morgan represents, did not enter a plea. Morgan attempted to have a bail application heard before Parish Judge Carlo Mason, submitting that his client was not a flight risk and had health issues, including diabetes and a heart condition.
“He needs to have consistent medical care as he risks falling into a diabetic coma,” Morgan shared with the court. “These are just mere allegations,” the lawyer added.
Orville Morgan, attorney at law
The prosecutor, in her response to Morgan’s submissions, told the judge, “The Crown was not in a position to oppose bail” and would first seek an adjournment to source other facilities that could provide treatment for Reid.
“The investigator is also saying that charges are to be laid against Mr. Reid for conspiracy to traffic firearms as well as involving other persons,” the prosecutor said.
The judge ordered Reid’s fingerprints taken by the police and remanded him in custody until December 18, 2023. At that time, the court is to have an update on whether the facility he will be transferred to can adequately provide the care he needs.
Supreme Court Placed a Stop Order on SSL Operations
The Supreme Court has ordered a stay on all proceedings involving Investment Firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) until the issue of its stewardship gets settled.
Justice David Batts handed down the ruling during a case management hearing on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
That matter is now set for February 06 to 8, 2024.
The trial will determine whether the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which took control of the fraud-hit entity in January 2023, will retain its management.
The FSC, in January, blocked an alleged attempt by the principals of SSL to wind up the entity, triggering the legal showdown.
Several of the matters under consideration by the firm include a dispute with Welljen Limited, a business connected to Sprint Legend Usain Bolt.
Mr. Bolt is among at least 70 individuals believed to have been fleeced of their investments at the securities dealer.
Former SSL Client Relations Manager Jean-Ann Panton remains the sole individual charged with multibillion-dollar fraud in a separate criminal matter.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that the continuation of existing proceedings in which SSL is a defendant is stayed until the determination of the issue of authority.
Furthermore, any execution against the properties of SSL in all proceedings has been stayed until further order from the court.