Vybz Kartel ruling to be handed down July 31
Key Points(5)
- The highly anticipated ruling on whether Dancehall star Vybz Kartel will be freed or face a retrial for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams is set to be delivered on July 31.
- Justice McDonald-Bishop leads the panel of three judges deliberating the case, alongside Justices Paulette Williams and David Fraser.
- In June, the Court of Appeal heard six days of extensive legal arguments from both the defense and the prosecution.
- Defense attorney Isat Buchanan argued that an acquittal is necessary to prevent further constitutional breaches against Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused.
- Given the seriousness of the offense, the strength of the case, the public interest, and the availability of witnesses, Thompson asserted that a retrial is justified.
The highly anticipated ruling on whether Dancehall star Vybz Kartel will be freed or face a retrial for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams is set to be delivered on July 31.
At the center of this crucial decision is Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, Jamaica’s first female President of the Court of Appeal, who was sworn in on July 18, succeeding the recently retired Justice Patrick Brooks. Justice McDonald-Bishop leads the panel of three judges deliberating the case, alongside Justices Paulette Williams and David Fraser.
In June, the Court of Appeal heard six days of extensive legal arguments from both the defense and the prosecution. Defense attorney Isat Buchanan argued that an acquittal is necessary to prevent further constitutional breaches against Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused. Buchanan contended that the prosecution has not addressed how they will mitigate these breaches, stating, “The uncertainty of sustaining or continuing the breach elevates the breach.”
Conversely, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson argued that Vybz Kartel and his co-accused should not escape justice on a technicality. Given the seriousness of the offense, the strength of the case, the public interest, and the availability of witnesses, Thompson asserted that a retrial is justified. She maintained that the ordeal suffered by the accused is not sufficient reason to avoid a retrial.
Justice McDonald-Bishop acknowledged the complexity of deciding on a retrial, especially for serious offenses and lengthy delays. “The question of a retrial is never easy for a court of law, especially when serious offenses and lengthy delays. It’s gonna take us time but the court is mindful of the need for expedition in this matter,” she said.
She emphasized that the court's judgment is reserved and that they aim to deliver a decision no later than the end of the term, considering the health issues of one of the appellants.
Vybz Kartel reportedly suffers from Graves’ disease, heart issues, and mental health problems, which his lawyer claims would worsen if he faced a retrial. The prosecution has indicated that a possible murder retrial for Kartel and his three co-accused could occur as early as 2025.
Justice McDonald-Bishop also noted that the court will consider the government's budget for a potential retrial. The government has already been ordered to repay the legal fees for Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused for their United Kingdom Privy Council appeal earlier this year, a figure that could reach up to $150 million.
Additionally, the Court of Appeal warned that the retrial would not proceed if witnesses are unavailable. Justice McDonald-Bishop emphasized that the court would not send the case back to the Supreme Court only to wait for witnesses to be located.
