Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and his co-appellants were released after the Court of Appeal ruled against a retrial due to juror misconduct. The decision was based on 12 factors, including the strength of the case and impact on the appellants. In a separate incident, a suspect awaiting a murder trial was fatally shot by the police in Linstead, St. Catherine.
Tag: Justice System
Improving Court Infrastructure: Urgent Call by Senator Donna Scott Mottley
Senator Donna Scott Mottley highlights the urgent need for the government to address deficiencies in court facilities, citing unsanitary conditions and pest infestations. She emphasizes the crucial role of providing safe and sanitary environments for judiciary and court staff. The Justice Minister acknowledges maintenance responsibility lies with the Court Administration Division, but procurement issues remain a challenge.
Appeal Court is set to announce its decision in the Vybz Kartel case on Wednesday.
The Court of Appeal of Jamaica is set to announce its decision on the Vybz Kartel case on July 31, 2024, following a previous ruling by the Privy Council. Meanwhile, a fugitive has been recaptured, and four farmers in Manchester face firearms charges. Additionally, two security guards tragically lost their lives in a road accident in St. Ann on July 28, 2024.
Three police officers have been charged with the assault of a fellow officer.
A judge in Kingston referred an assault case involving three police officers to restorative justice. The accused officers are to return on November 21 to hear the outcome. In a separate incident, John Roach from St. James was charged with a shooting incident and firearms violations in Kingston. In St. Mary, a father was shot and injured at home.
Court of Appeal decision: School found to have violated rights of child with dreadlocks.
The Jamaica Court of Appeal ruled in favor of a child denied access to Kensington Primary School for wearing dreadlocks. This decision is seen as a victory for Rastafarian rights, prompting the government to address discrimination against the community. In another development, two suspects were arrested in Nigeria for a cyber-attack on Jamaica's National Water Commission.
National Curfew Declared in Jamaica as Beryl Approaches
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a state of emergency in Jamaica for seven days due to the approaching Hurricane Beryl. A curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. will be in place, accompanied by mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone areas. The government has allocated funds for emergency needs. In other news, a man in Spanish Town was fined for attempting to bribe police, and an elderly woman was tragically murdered in Lawrence Tavern.
Judge promised to Deliver Kartel’s Retrial Decision by July at the Latest.
Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop aims to decide on retrying Vybz Kartel and co-accused by July, considering the complexity of the murder case. The defense emphasizes the need for an acquittal to prevent further constitutional violations, stressing innocence and the impact of media on public opinion. The Court pledges careful consideration of all aspects, including Kartel's health.
St James police neutralized one of the parish’s most dangerous criminals.
Police in St James, Jamaica, fatally shot Collin Walters, a suspected 13th Street Gang member linked to a fatal gun attack. Damion Crawford criticized Jamaica's political atmosphere following MP Rhoda Crawford's public denouncement of hurtful rumors. United States and Jamaican officials provided an Advanced Counter Gang Course curriculum to the National Police College of Jamaica to combat organized crime. Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey emphasized the course's importance in reducing gang-related crimes and promoting a safer Jamaica.
Tragic News: Taxi Crash Results in Loss of Life and Injuries to Students in Portland.
Several tragedies have unfolded recently in Jamaica. A taxi crash near Blueberry Hill resulted in two deaths and five injuries. In another incident, a teenager was charged with murder and assault at a college in Manchester. Additionally, a former police officer faces charges for kidnapping and robbery, and a former MP has been denied bail in a murder case.
DPP Paula Llewellyn has decided to step aside amidst concerns about the validity of her extended tenure.
Amid a ruling's ambiguity, Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Paula Llewellyn, steps aside, prompting plans for an interim DPP appointment. The Attorney General's office intends to appeal the court's decision while facing opposition calls for resignations. Concurrently, resignations and appointments within the Jamaica Labor Party are reshaping key leadership positions.