The Jamaican court of appeal has acquitted Dancehall Singer Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard’ Williams. The Court of Appeal determined that there was no need for a retrial, thus freeing them. This comes just a day before Jamaica and the Caribbean celebrate the Emancipation. A week-long celebration that culminates with Jamaican Independence Day. Indeed Freedom has come “early”.
“Having regard to all considerations the court has taken into account, we conclude that the interest of justice do not require a new trial” Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop noted.
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS OUTSIDE THE WINDOW?
Fans and lawyer of the appellants have expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling on Wednesday 31st July 2024. In the streets of Downtown, Kingston the fans have hit the streets in jubilations of the courts decision. According to Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, who led the three-judge bench, with Paulette Williams and David Fraser, their decision was based on 12 factors. These include the seriousness of the crime, the strength of the prosecution’s case, the availability of witnesses and evidence exhibits, the cost of a new trial, and its adverse effect on other pending cases.
The judges ruled unanimously against retrying Vybz Kartel and his co-accused for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. This decision follows a March 2024 ruling by the UK-based Privy Council, which overturned the murder convictions due to juror misconduct.
Adidja Palmer Alias Vybz Kartel, Shawn Campbell famously known as Shawn Storm, Kahira Jones and Andre St. John, were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014. Throughout the prosecution process, the accused have always maintained that they are ” not guilty”.
Vybz Kartel’s fans across the world have expressed their anticipation for his “comeback” performance. taking to X many have vowed to attend his shows once Kartel announces his world tour even if it will cost them an arm and a leg.
“Not me on a Vybz Kartel concert with crutches just because it costed me my leg”