KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a historic decision, the Privy Council has ordered the quashing of the convictions of incarcerated dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. The highest tier of the Jamaican court system, the UK-based Privy Council, unanimously concluded that the appeals should be allowed, citing juror misconduct.
The case will now be remitted to the Court of Appeal to determine whether a retrial should be ordered for the appellants. This decision follows the powerful arguments presented last month, including the admissibility of telecommunication evidence and alleged breaches of constitutional rights to privacy. Additionally, concerns over the handling of the jury and the alleged rush to reach a verdict were raised.
Notably, in April 2014, Kartel was handed a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 35 years. His co-accused also received life sentences with varying periods of eligibility for parole. After initially failing to overturn their sentences in the Court of Appeal, this decision marks a significant turning point in the high-profile case.
Jamaican Couple Nabbed with Over US$70,000 Hidden in Hair Product Jars at Kingston Airport.
In a startling turn of events, a Jamaican man and woman were apprehended at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The authorities have reason to believe that they may have violated The Proceeds of Crime Act.
The identities of the individuals have not been disclosed as the investigation is ongoing.
According to reports, the pair arrived at the airport from the Turks and Caicos Islands around 5:20 p.m. Security personnel noticed irregularities in their luggage during screening.
Subsequent inspection revealed a staggering sum of US$39,828 and US$30,460 meticulously concealed within hair product containers, leading to their immediate arrest.
Patient Care Assistant Arrested on Firearm Charges.
A patient care assistant has been apprehended and is facing charges related to the possession of a firearm.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – A Kingston man has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorized possession of ammunition following a police operation in his community on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
The accused has been identified as Harold Shepherd, 42, a patient care assistant from Wild Street, Kingston 16.
According to reports, at approximately 12:40 p.m., law enforcement officers conducted a search of a house occupied by Shepherd. During the search, a Bersa 9mm pistol with a magazine containing sixteen 9mm rounds of ammunition was allegedly discovered in a bedroom.
The man was taken into custody and subsequently charged on Tuesday, March 12.
He is currently awaiting a court date.
Dr. Kevin Blake has been appointed as the Police Commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has been officially appointed as the next head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. This significant announcement was made by Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang during a post-cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Dr. Chang revealed that Blake will take up his new role on March 19, succeeding the current commissioner, Major General Anthony Anderson, whose tenure concludes on March 18, 2024.