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The Jamaica Court of Appeal has slated a five-day hearing beginning June 10, 2024, to deliberate on the potential retrial for Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, and his co-defendants in the Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams murder case.
Following the recent decision by the UK-based Privy Council to nullify the convictions of Kartel, fellow artist Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, the matter has been referred back to the local Appeal Court for reconsideration.
Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, in a ruling on Friday, outlined the procedural requirements for the June hearing: appellants must submit their skeleton submissions by May 6, 2024, while the respondent has until May 31, 2024, to do the same.
Both sides must furnish a written chronology of pertinent events linked to the appeal, referenced to the record or transcript, and provide four copies of their skeleton arguments and chronology for the court’s review.
The Privy Council's decision to overturn the murder convictions signifies a significant moment in Jamaica’s legal landscape, underscoring the importance of proficient legal advocacy and the pursuit of justice.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Llewellyn has indicated intentions to pursue a retrial based on the case's particulars.
In an interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, Vybz Kartel's attorney, Isat Buchanan, conveyed that his client is in good spirits, stating, “He’s okay. He is awaiting his freedom to get his medical treatment [and] to do his definitive medical surgery... Nothing has changed, he needs the surgery and we know that [so] that’s still a live issue and that’s my concern.”