The General Legal Council has recently imposed a two-year suspension on Isat Buchanan, a well-known Jamaican attorney-at-law.
This disciplinary action follows Buchanan’s guilty plea regarding violations of the ethical standards expected of legal practitioners in Jamaica.
Offensive comments prompt action
Buchanan’s suspension stems from inappropriate remarks he made against Paula Llewellyn, the Director of Public Prosecutions.
These comments, which were made in July during an online show that Buchanan co-hosted, were deemed offensive and a breach of professional conduct.
Reports are that Buchanan, during the Youtube program, recited lyrics from the song “The Menace” by incarcerated dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel. The lyrics in question used crude language to describe “Paula”.
Following the remarks that Buchanan made, there was an immediate wave of criticism, leading him to step down from his position as the chairman of the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Human Rights Commission.
He also issued an apology on social media acknowledging the unfortunate nature of his comments and his use of the song as a reference.
Financial repercussions and suspension timeline
In addition to his suspension, which is set to conclude on December 5, 2025, Buchanan faces significant financial penalties.
He has been ordered to pay a fine of $500,000, along with an additional $20,000 payable to the General Legal Council.
